Avis sur le produitShakespeare in Love (Blu-ray/DVD, 2012, Canadian)

Genuinely Romantic, Yet Not That Funny

Remarkably touching acting in a frivolous movie.

John Madden’s romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love (1998) is a strange period film. It’s now infamous for winning Best Picture over Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line, Roberto Benigni’s Life Is Beautiful, and Tony Kaye’s American History X due to studio meddling from a notorious producer whom I will not bother to mention by name.

However, on its own merits, I do feel like Shakespeare in Love is an entertaining look into a possible love that William Shakespeare might have had as a muse. It’s just not that funny for a comedy. The romance drama is the strength of the film, and that’s mostly due to the two leads’ strong acting. Madden’s direction often feels aimless as he wanders from funny slapstick to silly wit in a series of nonsensical encounters to inspire Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy play Romeo and Juliet. Don’t get me wrong because I think Madden’s direction is classy and beautiful with lots of earnest heart. Madden sweeps through brisk running and intimate love making sequences as well as engrossing playacting. I wish Madden had stuck with more of the romance to develop it further instead of leaning into the jokes that are hit or miss. Richard Greatrex’ cinematography is lovely and soft, giving Shakespeare in Love an older period feel.

But having said that, it was clearly Oscar bait as there’s no point to this film. Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman rely too heavily on jokes about Shakespeare and what we know of the era as well as awkward references to the nature of acting itself. It’s not that funny and just feels forced at times. Steven Lawrence’s production is luxurious and period accurate with lavish furnishings everywhere you look. Sandy Powell’s costumes for the queen and Gwyneth Paltrow are amazingly detailed and colorful. I love all of Gwyneth’s dresses within Shakespeare in Love.

I like to sit back and let the forbidden relationship unfold with several delightful literary references as it can be a fun movie. Madden needed to tighten his cut down as 122 minutes is far too long for such a simplistic film. David Gamble surely could have cut down some of the more infantile humor and made more straightforward cuts. Many scenes just randomly end and feel disjointed in their sequencing. Stephen Warbeck’s pretty score keeps you hooked into the romance and never lets you out of the era.

Joseph Fiennes makes for a suave and intriguing Shakespeare. He’s handsome and charismatic, but it’s his passion for love and writing that make Fiennes so interesting. His affections for Gwyneth feel genuine. As for Gwyneth Paltrow herself, she’s wonderful and magical as the charismatic independent Lady Viola De Lesseps. Paltrow is dreamy reciting Shakespeare with vivid heart and excitable energy. She breathes every word to life. I still find Gwyneth Paltrow stunning in Shakespeare in Love and full of life. She really is remarkable. I do not mind that she won Best Actress at The Oscars for Shakespeare in Love as she is brilliant in the film.

Geoffrey Rush is hilarious in Shakespeare in Love. Tom Wilkinson is both intimidating and funny. Judi Dench embodies grace and knowledge as Queen Elizabeth in all her regalia. She’s not in much of the movie, but I do enjoy her presence. Imelda Staunton is fun as Gwyneth’s nurse. Colin Firth goes overboard in a truly silly sexist role that feels extra gross considering Shakespeare in Love’s producer. Ben Affleck is legitimately amazing for once as an astute play actor playing Mercutio. Rupert Everett even makes a cameo as legendary playwright Christopher Marlowe in a very cool scene. I seriously appreciate how Shakespeare in Love allows Marlowe his grace and intelligence in a supportive portrayal that gives him respect on the same caliber as Shakespeare. Shakespeare in Love boasts a massive cast all put to good use for the most part.

In short, Shakespeare in Love was never Best Picture material, but it’s a fine period romance drama and an okay romantic comedy.Lire l'avis complet...

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