Shakespeare In Love (1998)
I was expecting a lot from Shakespeare in Love. Maybe because it got Gwyneth her Oscar, or maybe because it’s an historical romance epic and those usually do well at the Oscars (this one did). Then again, it’s 2020, and by know we all know why it did so well. But ultimately, I didn’t love this film. It’s underwhelming.
What is Shakespeare In Love about?
The world's greatest ever playwright, William Shakespeare, is young, out of ideas and short of cash, but meets his ideal woman and is inspired to write one of his most famous plays. (from IMDB)
My review of Shakespeare In Love
The cast
The cast is brilliant. So, so many great names getting roles bursting with potential. Judi Dench is inevitably excellent as Queen Elizabeth and gives such a rewarding performance; every one of her scenes is a delight, simply because of her stellar delivery of lines and constant, consistent characterisation.
Gwyneth Paltrow is charming and solid as Viola; winning my heart and making me 'feel good', as her performances always do. She’s rarely brilliant, but always solid.
Personally, I didn’t like Joseph Fiennes' performance. I found him annoying and over reactive, and his love-struck stares at Paltrow's Viola border dangerously on melodrama and exaggeration. I wasn’t charmed by his Shakespeare.
There is terrific chemistry between everyone in the film. They all act well off each other, too.
Story and plot
Thanks to Imelda Staunton and Geoffrey Rush, there are some humorous parts; one that actually made me laugh out loud.
The story has a good backbone, but many of the 'filler’ and middle scenes are random and unnecessary; especially the part where Shakespeare supposedly dies...that feels totally random and basically just a scene filler.
However, I do really like how the whole 'women-aren't-allowed-to-be-on-stage' theme is portrayed. Paltrow's Viola makes a strong case for the injustices of the period as well as portraying a strong, and surprising, feminist attitude in the midst of the backward time period. Personally, this theme resonates better with me than the romance did.
There is insta-love, but that's to be expected I guess. This is Shakespeare after all, so if you don't mind love-struck stares and dramatic declarations of adoring devotion after the two leads have barely met each other, then that shouldn't bother you. It bothers me, but I’m a cynic.
Visuals
The time period is well portrayed. The sets are atmospheric and eye-catching, and the costumes suit the period.
