The story of betrayal, jealousy and manipulation stays true to the original 16th century setting, with Laurence Fishburne as Othello and Kenneth Branagh as Iago. It can be hard to watch -- especially if you know what's coming -- but for fans of the bard and of more intense costume dramas, it's a good choice.
Jealous, resentful high school student Hugo (Iago) orchestrates the downfall of Odin (Othello), the star basketball player, by making him question his relationship with Desi (Desdemona).
Set in a private high school in the late ‘90s, this adaptation received mixed reviews. The film was also shelved for two years because of the Columbine shooting and was released in 2001.
The Montagues and Capulets square-off in the original city of fair Verona, where Franco Zeffirelli lays his scene, in a more faithful adaptation of Shakespeare's play. This film was nominated for Best Director and Best Picture at the 1969 Oscars. It's a great movie for Shakespeare lovers and theater fans.
Baz Luhrmann's update moves the star-crossed lovers from Verona, Italy, to Verona Beach, California. Instead of feuding royals in full Renaissance dress, the Capulets and Montagues wear Hawaiian shirts and carry handguns through the city streets. And while the story appears modern, the dialogue remains the same.
Luhrmann's film is bursting with color, music, drama and violence -- it's got something for everyone.
The question isn't who's in Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet -- it's who isn't. Julie Christie, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Judi Dench, Jack Lemmon and Kate Winslet -- wearing the robes and gowns of 16th century nobles -- lie, cheat and betray each other in this tragedy. Branagh stays true to Shakespeare's original setting, but the themes of the play are timeless.
David Tennant stars in the Royal Shakespeare Company's version of "Hamlet," a tense, paranoid thriller set in modern day Denmark. The RSC takes advantage of their switch from stage to screen by getting creative with Hamlet's monologues. It's a very interesting adaptation, especially with its use of security cameras as characters, and is definitely worth checking out.
The 1955 version of "Richard III," which Laurence Olivier both directs and stars in, retains the original setting. The sweeping cloaks and shining crowns seem dangerous and ill-fated -- a tribute to Olivier's skills as a director.
"Richard III" is ruthless and disturbing, but it's a must-see for fans of twisted plots and psychological thrillers.
Ian McKellan stars as the villain to end all villains in this brutal, violent film. Set in an alternate, fascist England in the 1930s, "Richard III" tells the story of one man's ruinous quest for power -- and as usual, it's a tragedy.
Much innocent blood is spilled in Richard's efforts to become king. McKellan's portrayal of the sinister royal is widely considered one of the best ever.
Kenneth Branagh loves his Shakespeare. He directs and stars in yet another of his Shakespeare adaptations -- but this time it's a romantic comedy.
The characters lounge and play in flowing white clothing and make mean jokes about everything. The sweetness of one uncomplicated love story allows us to enjoy the drawn out, obvious lovers quarrels between Benedick and Beatrice, who refuse to admit their feelings. It's great fun and tragedy-free.
Joss Whedon filmed this modern adaptation at his house in just a few days, but it has the quality of a much bigger production. The dialogue is snappy, the people are beautiful and Shakespeare's artful innuendo is presented in full force.
Every film fan can find something to enjoy about this comedy. If you're a fan of Whedon's other work, look for familiar faces like Nathan Fillion, Sean Maher, Alexis Denisof and Amy Acker.
