Could
William Shakespeare have been suffering from writers block while creating Romeo
& Juliet? This is just one scenario screenwriter Tom Stoppard touches upon
in this often brilliant film from director John Madden (Mrs. Brown).
Joseph
Fiennes plays Shakespeare, a remarkable writer who gets a timely dose of inspiration
from a beautiful woman played by (Gwyneth Paltrow). Stoppard has created a wonderfully
witty script full of humor and inventive dialogue. The performances are outstanding.
Fiennes is completely charismatic and energetic. The beautiful Paltrow has finally
received a role worthy of her talents. The film also features brilliant turns
by Geoffrey Rush, Ben Affleck, Rupert Everett and Judi Dench, just to name a few.
This
phenomenal collaboration between writer Stoppard and director Madden has given
me a new found respect for William Shakespeare, a man whose work I've always had
a hard time grasping. Chances are, you'll have a huge smile on your face throughout
the film--I know I did.
