Shakespeare in Love - Movie Review Example

Shakespeare in Love Shakespeare in Love is a comedy that was directed by John Madden in 1998. The film explores the real life of William Shakespearein a fictional context during the time he was writing Romeo and Juliet. The film explores a number of Shakespearean themes and provides a generally insightful look into a hypothetical late 16th century Europe. While the film went through a number of incarnations, it was ultimately picked up by Miramax and edited by famous playwright Tom Stoppard (Biskind 2004). This essay considers background information related to the film, including plot, and presents a general critique of various filmic aspects. The film itself is set in 1593 Europe and as indicated occurs during the time period when William Shakespeare was writing Romeo and Juliet. The play begins presenting two competing theatres and extends into other dramatic elements. Researchers have analyzed the play and noted the two central cruces to by the need to get a play produced and the extent that the play will be able to truly articulate the concept of love (Marx). In addition, Huntley (2009) has considered how the play presents the underlining human drive of desire and love, as articulated in the romance that occurs between Shakespeare and Viola, and the complications presented by Lord Wessex. Shakespeare is indicated to be working for The Rose Theatre. Geoffrey Rush plays Philip Henslowe who is the owner of the theatre. While he has constructed a play titled Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter, upon learning that his love interest has cheated on him with another man he rewrites the play as Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare begins to hold auditions for the lead roles in the play. One of the people that audition for Romeo is Gwyneth Paltrow’s character Viola de Lesseps; however she is disguised as a man. Shakespeare begins a relationship with Viola after discovering her true identity. In many regards, their relationship resembles that of the fictional relationship of Romeo and Juliet in that in many regards it seems doomed to fail. For instance, Shakespeare is already married, and Viola’s family intends for her to marry a wealthy aristocrat named Lord Wessex. During this time another famed playwright, Christopher Marlowe is featured who offers Shakespeare various types of advice. Soon Shakespeare and Viola find themselves in front of the Queen and make a bet that a play cannot be written that captures the true nature of love. Shakespeare works to present Romeo and Juliet as the true essence of love. The film goes onto demonstrate the challenges they encounter in putting on the play, before finally succeeding. Shakespeare and Viola play the lead roles in front of Queen Elizabeth and ultimately claim the money. Shakespeare in Love would ultimately go on to win a variety of industry awards and when examining its various production qualities it’s clear why it garnered such esteem. From the opening scenes the mise-en-scene is expertly presented resembling not the minimalist presentations one of a stage-play, but the illustrious production reminiscent of a full-scale Hollywood production. The filmmakers implement classical music in keeping with the overarching tone of 16th century Europe. Indeed, one of the film’s notable aspects is its articulation of this period atmosphere. For instance, the play is not merely a collection of clever allusions to Shakespeare’s real world plays, but also provides the viewer with an increased understanding of the social and cultural context in which they emerged. Still, it’s been noted that the films lacks the strong scholarship of a strict historical reproduction (Cowell). One such example of this is in the presentation of the variety of plays throughout the film. The filmmakers keep the presentations true to period form with minimalist set designs and all male casts, allowing the viewer insight into the actual on-goings of these centuries old theatrical productions. The film’s costumes also strictly follow period form. In many regards their vibrant colors and at times fantastical nature work to characterize some of the film’s primary actors. For instance, the Queen is featured in a stolid type period outfit that seems to present her as captured and rough. Conversely, Viola is featured in vibrant turquoise and other uplifting colors, as indicative of her wistful nature. Shakespeare is featured in minimal white clothing, as indicative of a poor and bohemian writer. Ultimately, these costuming aspects have a powerful effect on the film’s overriding cinematic articulations. In terms of editing the play makes general use of classical continuity editing, with a number of flourishes designed to register suspense and emotional effect. One such instance occurs in the opening scenes of the film when the mise-en-scene features a prolonged shot of a theatre while the credits play. This scene is juxtaposed with a shot of an individual’s feet being burned and men attempting to get money from him. The effect is startling on the viewer and works to balance the film’s more sentimental and dramatic aspects with its underlining comedic tone. Such juxtapositions are regularly interspersed throughout the film in a variety of contexts. In many scenes it is the lack of editing that becomes notable within the filmic presentations. In these regards, the film presents a variety of deep focus long takes that occur in the courtyard. These long takes give the viewer a perspective on the city and allows for increased identification with its period aspects. Other filmic techniques implemented include montage editing. After Shakespeare burns his original play he begins his construction of Romeo and Juliet. In presenting his creative process the film superimposes pictures of pages over a time-lapse presentation of Shakespeare writing. The film follows these trends throughout and builds dramatic tension through the romance and suspense through the need to present the play. Ultimately, these filmic effects are implemented effectively with a traditional, albeit novel, Hollywood dramatic structure. In conclusion, this critique has examined elements related to John Madden’s 1998 film ‘Shakespeare in Love’. In these regards, it has considered plot and background elements and the theoretical responses therein. The essay also examined various filmic elements, including dramatic structure, music, editing, and montage. References Biskind, Peter. (2004) Down and Dirty Pictures: Miramax, Sundance and the Rise of Independent Film. New York: Simon & Schuster Cowell, Stephanie. ‘Shakespeare in Love’ http://www.shakespearemag.com/reviews/shakespeareinlove.asp Huntley, Katherine (2009). ‘Shakespeare in Love’ Dramatica. http://www.dramatica.com/story/film_reviews/reviews/ShakespeareInLov e.html Madden, John, dir. (1998) Shakespeare in Love. Miramax Films. Marx, Steven. ‘Shakespeare in Love’ http://cla.calpoly.edu/~smarx/Shakespeare/Shak_inLove/SM_Sh_in_Love.H TML Read More