Shakespeare in Love (Miramax
Collectors Series) starring Gwyneth
Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey
Rush, Tom Wilkinson, Steven
ODonnell
A Must Own Movie!
One of the most endearing and intelligent romantic comedies of the 90s,
the Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love is filled with such good will, sunny
romance, snappy one-liners, and devilish cleverness that its absolutely
irresistible. With tongue placed firmly in cheek, at its outset the film tracks
young Will Shakespeares overwrought battle with writers block and the
efforts of theater owner Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush, in rare form) to
stage Wills latest comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirates Daughter. Jokey
comedy, though, soon takes a backseat to ravishing romance when the
beautiful Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) disguises herself as a
young man to wangle herself an audition in the all-male cast, and wins
both the part of Romeo and, after much misunderstanding, the playwrights
heart. Soon enough, Wills pirate comedy becomes the beautiful, tragic
Romeo and Juliet, reflecting the agony and ecstasy of Will and Violas
romance--hes married and shes set to marry the slimy Lord Wessex (Colin
Firth) in the near future. The way that Oscar-winning screenwriters Marc
Norman and Tom Stoppard enfold their story within the parameters of
Romeo and Juliet (and even Twelfth Night) is nothing short of brilliant--it
would take a Shakespearean scholar to dissect the innumerable parallels,
oft-quoted lines, plot developments, and thematic borrowings. And most
amazingly, Norman and Stoppard havent forgotten to entertain their
audience in addition to riding a Shakespearean roller coaster, with director
John Madden (Mrs. Brown) reigning in his huge ensemble with rollicking
energy. Along the way there are small gems to be found, including Judi
Denchs eight-minute, Oscar-winning turn as a truly regal Queen Elizabeth,
but the key element of Shakespeare in Loves success rests on the milky -
white shoulders of its two stars. Fiennes, inexplicably overlooked at Oscar
time, is a dashing, heartfelt Will, and as for Best Actress winner Paltrow,
well, nothing shed done before could have prepared viewers for how
amazing she is here. Breathtakingly beautiful, fiercely intelligent, strong-
willed, and lovestruck--its a performance worthy of Shakespeare in more
ways than one. By the films end, youll be thoroughly won over--and
brushing up your Shakespeare with newfound ardor. --Mark Englehart
From my wife Sarah: This is one of my all time favorite movies. I've got to
admit I've watched it maybe 10 times, and plan to watch it again and again.
It's one of the most beautiful, passionate and clever stories I've seen. The
acting is amazing and real. Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes hold
nothing back. I've got to say that they were very brave to reveal their souls
on the screen like this. It's mesmerizing.
The script is not just poetic, smart and beautiful, but believable and very,
very moving. I can just imagine that this is exactly what happened to
William Shakesphere, and how he got the ideas for Romeo and Juliet. The
characters in this movie are developed so well. Even the more minor
characters. There's also humor, which adds to the film greatly. The
costumes were fantastic, especially the queens. I actually gotten a chance
to see one of the gowns on display and the detail is spectacular. When I
watch this film, I'm transported to another time and place and I'm happy to
go there. This movie is a great example of what movies can be and should
aspire to. Clearly I strongly recommend this film.
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Shakespeare in Love (Miramax Collectors Series) starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph
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