If you cannot make it to a live Shakespeare production, the next best thing is a good video. Here are some of the most engaging movie adaptations of Shakespeare's plays that I recommend for enthusiasts, film buffs, and those looking for holiday gift ideas.
1) Titus 1999. Director Julie Taymor's sanitized and wholly absorbing film version of Shakespeare's most gruesome play was released on DVD and video last year. "Titus" recounts the tale of the Roman general Titus Andronicus who has just returned home in triumph from a ten-year war with the Goths. Horrific carnage and brutality ensue, but Taymor tastefully downplays the bloody realism. The stellar performances of the commanding cast make "Titus" a riveting picture from start to finish.
2) Romeo and Juliet 1968. Before this version of the play, the roles of Romeo and Juliet were usually played by older, established actors. These Shakespearean actors could, of course, deliver their lines magnificently, but were unconvincing as frenzied young lovers. Franco Zeffirelli decided to use teenagers in the title roles, and their performances are some of the best you will see. The Queen Mab speech and the final moments in the tomb are truly spectacular, and although Zeffirelli chose to edit some of Shakespeare's dialogue, he captures the essence of Shakespeare's drama perfectly.
3) Hamlet 1996. At 242 minutes, Branagh's version of the play requires quite a commitment, but it is well worth the time if you love Shakespeare or are in need of a production true to the original text. With all the versions of "Hamlet" out there that are edited and rearranged, we should be thankful for Branagh's veritable masterpiece.
4) Much Ado About Nothing 1993. Here's another wonderful film version of a Shakespeare play by Kenneth Branagh. Emma Thompson shines as Beatrice, and, despite great performances by Denzel Washington and Michael Keaton, Thompson steals the show.
5) The Taming of the Shrew 1967. The battling Burtons (Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton) capture the whimsical nature of the play with their signature zeal. This version of the play is a good resource for anyone interested in commedia dell'arte and is an entertaining introduction to Shakespeare. Composer Nino Rota ("Death on the Nile", "The Godfather", "Romeo and Juliet" (1968)) received a National Board of Reviews award for the flamboyant soundtrack.
1999. Director Julie Taymor's sanitized and wholly absorbing film version of Shakespeare's most gruesome play was released on DVD and video last year. "Titus" recounts the tale of the Roman general Titus Andronicus who has just returned home in triumph from a ten-year war with the Goths. Horrific carnage and brutality ensue, but Taymor tastefully downplays the bloody realism. The stellar performances of the commanding cast make "Titus" a riveting picture from start to finish.
1968. Before this version of the play, the roles of Romeo and Juliet were usually played by older, established actors. These Shakespearean actors could, of course, deliver their lines magnificently, but were unconvincing as frenzied young lovers. Franco Zeffirelli decided to use teenagers in the title roles, and their performances are some of the best you will see. The Queen Mab speech and the final moments in the tomb are truly spectacular, and although Zeffirelli chose to edit some of Shakespeare's dialogue, he captures the essence of Shakespeare's drama perfectly.
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