Shakespeare in Love (A or 4/4 stars)
William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes), out of fresh ideas & short of $$, meets his ideal woman and is inspired to write what becomes one of his most famous plays in 'Shakespeare in Love', directed by John Madden.
England, 1593: Shakespeare, a charming, but eccentric actor & playwright is supposed to be finishing his new play, 'Romeo & Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter'. It's to be his latest production at The Rose, 1 of 2 competitive theaters in poverty-stricken London. But alas, he has writer's block. Everyone is anxious for this new play, mostly Philip Henslowe (humorous Geoffrey Rush), The Rose's owner; who's being tortured by creditors (a fun Tom Wilkinson) & is desperate for a smash hit. To finish his play, Shakespeare needs inspiration. Fate steps in when he locks eyes with Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), an heiress who prefers Shakespeare's writing to the more popular Christopher Marlowe (Rupert Everett).
By chance, Will & Viola meet, and it is love at 1st sight. Unfortunately, their love is doomed; as she is to marry the cold-hearted Lord Wessex (Colin Firth). To fulfill a lifelong dream to be onstage, Viola dresses as a man & auditions for the role of Romeo in Will's new play (women were not allowed to act as either men or women at the time). She gets the part, of course. Will is all-too-happy to have Viola around the theater (even if she is dressed as a man). And before long, 'Romeo & Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter' evolves into 'Romeo & Juliet'. The ball drops, however, when Viola's identity is uncovered. And both Viola & Will become trapped in a forbidden romance that provides the richest inspiration yet for his play ... and how it will tragically end. With Queen Elizabeth (wonderful Judi Dench) in attendance for opening night, can the cast of 'Romeo & Juliet' pull it off amid the backstage intrigue? Will William's infatuation with Viola be the death of him? If she can't be with Will, is death a better option than marrying Wessex and moving to Virginia? It all unfolds in the most beautiful, poetic & cathartic way possible.
1st & foremost, 'Shakespeare in Love' is a comedy; not the laugh-out-loud type, but a comedy of wit. i.e., Will is bereft about his writer's block and goes to see (what today would be depicted as) a psychoanalyst. A lot of 'SiL' is breezy fun. Ben Affleck makes an extended comedic cameo. Judi Dench is bitingly funny in the 8 or so minutes she's allotted. And there are double entendres/sexual innuendos aplenty throughout. Life imitates art throughout 'SiL' as it is chock full of mistaken identities, blackmails, transvestites, poetry, ghosts, & star-crossed lovers. And probably the best aspect of this film is that you can't possibly figure out how it ends. Alluding to Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night', the movie concludes on a perfect, if melancholic note.
You don't have to be a Shakespeare fan to enjoy this film, but it certainly doesn't hurt. Facts are toyed with here & there, but the liberties that are taken are more than acceptable; creating some truly engaging, historically creative fiction. The sprawling who’s-who ensemble cast is exceptional. But most accolades really should go to Joseph Fiennes & Gwyneth Paltrow. They, along with Kate & Leo (in last yrs. Titanic), are one of cinema's great recent pairings (in my humble opinion). Their chemistry: undeniable. Their acting: impeccable. And their romance is a rich as they come. With his sensitive demeanor, impassioned soul, dark eyes, & erotic nature, Joseph Fiennes truly brings (an idealized) Shakespeare to life. And Paltrow is completely enchanting; beguiling even. I've never seen her better. And the emotional pull that these two leads create is incredible.
The blending of the comedy with the drama is pitch-perfect. The 16th c. production values are immaculate. And the musical score is simply wonderful. With a script that breathes fun, creativity & intelligence into a 400 yr. old story, 'Shakespeare in Love' winds up being my favorite film of this year.
England, 1593: Shakespeare, a charming, but eccentric actor & playwright is supposed to be finishing his new play, 'Romeo & Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter'. It's to be his latest production at The Rose, 1 of 2 competitive theaters in poverty-stricken London. But alas, he has writer's block. Everyone is anxious for this new play, mostly Philip Henslowe (humorous Geoffrey Rush), The Rose's owner; who's being tortured by creditors (a fun Tom Wilkinson) & is desperate for a smash hit. To finish his play, Shakespeare needs inspiration. Fate steps in when he locks eyes with Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), an heiress who prefers Shakespeare's writing to the more popular Christopher Marlowe (Rupert Everett).
By chance, Will & Viola meet, and it is love at 1st sight. Unfortunately, their love is doomed; as she is to marry the cold-hearted Lord Wessex (Colin Firth). To fulfill a lifelong dream to be onstage, Viola dresses as a man & auditions for the role of Romeo in Will's new play (women were not allowed to act as either men or women at the time). She gets the part, of course. Will is all-too-happy to have Viola around the theater (even if she is dressed as a man). And before long, 'Romeo & Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter' evolves into 'Romeo & Juliet'. The ball drops, however, when Viola's identity is uncovered. And both Viola & Will become trapped in a forbidden romance that provides the richest inspiration yet for his play ... and how it will tragically end. With Queen Elizabeth (wonderful Judi Dench) in attendance for opening night, can the cast of 'Romeo & Juliet' pull it off amid the backstage intrigue? Will William's infatuation with Viola be the death of him? If she can't be with Will, is death a better option than marrying Wessex and moving to Virginia? It all unfolds in the most beautiful, poetic & cathartic way possible.
1st & foremost, 'Shakespeare in Love' is a comedy; not the laugh-out-loud type, but a comedy of wit. i.e., Will is bereft about his writer's block and goes to see (what today would be depicted as) a psychoanalyst. A lot of 'SiL' is breezy fun. Ben Affleck makes an extended comedic cameo. Judi Dench is bitingly funny in the 8 or so minutes she's allotted. And there are double entendres/sexual innuendos aplenty throughout. Life imitates art throughout 'SiL' as it is chock full of mistaken identities, blackmails, transvestites, poetry, ghosts, & star-crossed lovers. And probably the best aspect of this film is that you can't possibly figure out how it ends. Alluding to Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night', the movie concludes on a perfect, if melancholic note.
You don't have to be a Shakespeare fan to enjoy this film, but it certainly doesn't hurt. Facts are toyed with here & there, but the liberties that are taken are more than acceptable; creating some truly engaging, historically creative fiction. The sprawling who’s-who ensemble cast is exceptional. But most accolades really should go to Joseph Fiennes & Gwyneth Paltrow. They, along with Kate & Leo (in last yrs. Titanic), are one of cinema's great recent pairings (in my humble opinion). Their chemistry: undeniable. Their acting: impeccable. And their romance is a rich as they come. With his sensitive demeanor, impassioned soul, dark eyes, & erotic nature, Joseph Fiennes truly brings (an idealized) Shakespeare to life. And Paltrow is completely enchanting; beguiling even. I've never seen her better. And the emotional pull that these two leads create is incredible.
The blending of the comedy with the drama is pitch-perfect. The 16th c. production values are immaculate. And the musical score is simply wonderful. With a script that breathes fun, creativity & intelligence into a 400 yr. old story, 'Shakespeare in Love' winds up being my favorite film of this year.