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Of films I've seen recently that have been made of Shakespeare works, the following are what I'd call "very good" to "great": JULIUS CAESAR (1953) Often recalled as the one with Marlon Brando as Mark Antony (a great performance), it also offered James Mason (Brutus) at his best. John Gielgud was more than adequate as Cassius, as was Greer Garson as Calpurnia, Louis Calhern as Caesar and George Macready as Marrulus. A surprise was an early appearance of Michael Ansara in the wordless part of the commander who kills his superior Cassius on orders. The production also is noteworthy for the believeable battle scene in which Mark Antony prevails against the rebels, as his attack begins with archers (as opposed to the 1970 Julius Caesar production, which unconvincingly only used swords and spears in that attack). HAMLET There are two noteworthy films in this case, being the Laurence Olivier version (1940's) and the Mel Gibson version (1980's). Both avoid the "stagey" speechmaking style often criticized today, the first through a relaxed delivery for that era and the second through a plainly conversational delivery that probably took advantage of television-style acoustics (such that stage projection was not needed). ROMEO AND JULIET (1968) This was the Franco Zeferelli version with Leonard Whiting, Olivia Hussey and Michael York. Although as with most films, the hairstyles give away the decade, this instance of that isn't obtrusive. The acting is high-quality, the sets are convincing without being too expensive and the costuming is proper for an Elizabethan vision of Renaissance Italy. TAMING OF THE SHREW (1967) Burton and Taylor's best effort while together onscreen. They were properly cast and compliment each other in mood and delivery. In set design, there's a good balance between outdoor and indoor scenes (with the outdoor ones apparently in a large studio but skillfully done). Burton's performance would have been easy to anticipate but Taylor surprises as she was never considered a fine actress by critics. She skillfully conveys the initial anger of the character, then the despair, then the assertiveness that builds toward the end. --- Honorable Mentions: MACBETH (1971) The Polanski version, it makes great use (perhaps subconsciously) of then-current horror film framing and technique, as practiced by Hammer, Amicus and other such studios. It's a bit violent for my taste but is important as an early appearance of the underrated Francesca Annis as Lady Macbeth. TITUS (1999) Anthony Hopkins plays the Roman General and Jessica Lange the Goth Queen. This sometimes confused historical mixture (juxtaposing ancient historical sites with later or future imagery such as the Italian EUR district) revives interest in a play not on anyone's short list as far as I'm aware.
5/10/2011 |