Shakespeare on Film - Suggestions?
 

This kind of ties in to my thread in the Books forum.

I'm trying to get more into the works of William Shakespeare (among others), but his work is doubtlessly meant to be seen rather than read. It is still a great read, but Shakespeare on paper is NOTHING compared to Shakespeare on stage.

What I'm looking for are either film versions of Shakespeare's plays that stay familiar to the original source material (IE, I'm not looking for 10 Things I Hate About You or She's The Man), or filmed stage productions that are availible on DVD.

The big thing for me is that they are faithful to the original works. Are Olivier's films close to the originals? I've never seen any of his Shakespeare adaptions...sad, I know. What about Branagh's films - close to the source? I'm particularly interested in his Othello.

Anyone have some suggestions?

Branagh's films are amazing. His version of Hamlet was brilliant and the only one I've seen that uses the script in it's entirety. Much Ado About Nothing was pretty good as well. I haven't seen any film versions of Othello so I can't help you there.

Thanks! - I'll check out his stuff!

What about the '99 version of Midsummer Night's Dream? Very faithful?

It's not exactly 100% faithful, but you need to check out Forbidden Planet. It's such a kickass flick, and it's based on The Tempest.

I've aways wanted to see that one, but I had no idea that it was based on The Tempest! That just kicked up it's cool factor 150% - I'll be actively on the lookout for it from here on out.

Tempest is actually probably my favourite out of the works I've read. Not as deep or serious as Macbeth of King Lear, but it's just so damn much fun!

Most of Branagh's Shakespeare productions are pretty accurate. His Hamlet was the first film to use the "full text" version of the play. His Much Ado About Nothing and Othello are well regarded. His Love's Labor's Lost is set out of period, so you might not be interested.

Olivier's Hamlet, Othello & Richard III are all great productions, and it's hard to beat Olivier for acting.

Orson Welles' star turn as Othello is something to behold.

Certainly one of the greatest Shakespeare films has to be Zeffirelli's production of Romeo & Juliet. He made waves by casting actors that were actually the ages the characters were supposed to be. It made Olivia Hussey a star.

There's so much Shakespeare on film, produced in so many different styles- you could watch Shakespeare all year long and have a really enjoyable time. Don't miss Brando in Julius Caesar.

Also the classic version of Midsummer Night's Dream with Dick Powell, Olivia deHavilland, James Cagney and an unforgettable Mickey Rooney as Puck is lots of fun.

Yes! This is one of my favorite movies. I was disappointed by other versions.

Olivia Hussey...so hooot.

It may not be the exact source material but I think you're missing out if you pass up Ran. Kurosawa's take on King Lear is breathtaking, you MUST see this one Return.

Best breasts I ever saw in my freshman English class, that's for damn sure.

Return, I assume you've seen the Baz Luhrman adapttation of Romeo + Juliet with Claire Danes & Leonardo DiCaprio. If not, I'd recommend that one. Very updated and stylish while remaining true to the source material.

You should also check out the Twelfth Night version starring Helena Bonham Carter.

There is also Titus (1999), which is Shakespeare's play Titus Andronicus about a Roman General played by Anthony Hopkins and also stars Jessica Lang. It's on the gruesome side and is a tragedy. Very well done with the original text, though they have updated the costume and sets to make them a little more stylized.

Richard III (1995) is my other favorite with Ian McKellan (in the villainous title role), Robert Downey, Jr and Kristen Scott. This tragedy is also very well done, and is set kind in a Nazi Germany setting instead of medieval times, but still has the original text.

Both films break the fourth wall during the film for their soliloquys to great effect.

Another film based on a Shakespearean play and that was very well done was O (2001), which was based on Othello and set in high school with Josh Harnett and Julia Styles.

That's actually a really interesting interpretation of the play. I definitely recommend it as well.

Branagh has been brought up and I believe that his Hamlet is pure genius and (at times) painfully faithful to the original play. And I haven't seen it, but I've heard that his adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing is pretty damn good (and one of my favorite plays!)

Titus (1999) is absolutely fascinating and I think a must-see if you are studying this play. Another interesting take on Titus (less faithful, but absolutely compelling) is The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover. Hard to get your hands on it, but worth the struggle.

Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing is one of my favorite films. If you can ignore Keanu Reeves, I think you'll really like it.