Nothing is better on screen or stage than good Shakespeare, and this film will take its place as one of the best. Lush, beautiful Italian scenery and sets; great music including some well-placed opera arias; strong direction and camera work; and a natural dreamy tone that tops it all to make a wonderful adaptation. And with all that, the "hard-handed" "players" are a scream! We laughed along with the Duke at their most lamentable comedy, "very notably discharged." (That must have been a lot of fun on the stage of the Globe Theater, too.)
Some actors must be mentioned, and it was a nice blend of British and American talents, too. Michelle Pfeiffer outdid herself as the sensuous Fairy Queen, and was matched by her powerful Fairy King in Rupert Everett--these two aren't cute little fairies by any means! Stanley Tucci wasn't over-cute as Puck, either, but caught the necessary impish quality instead. Calista Flockhart was quite appealing as the hapless, love-struck Helena. But of course the amateur players are the stars; particularly the great Kevin Kline, still one of our most under-rated American actors. It's not fair to compare him to James Cagney in the first version, but it's hard not to, since he under-played it rather than over-playing it as Cagney did so well. (That's still well worth watching!) He interpreted the part as a bit of a rouge rather than a buffoon, and it comes off great.
Again, it's a wonderful production, a real treasure. This is the way to do Shakespeare.
Some actors must be mentioned, and it was a nice blend of British and American talents, too. Michelle Pfeiffer outdid herself as the sensuous Fairy Queen, and was matched by her powerful Fairy King in Rupert Everett--these two aren't cute little fairies by any means! Stanley Tucci wasn't over-cute as Puck, either, but caught the necessary impish quality instead. Calista Flockhart was quite appealing as the hapless, love-struck Helena. But of course the amateur players are the stars; particularly the great Kevin Kline, still one of our most under-rated American actors. It's not fair to compare him to James Cagney in the first version, but it's hard not to, since he under-played it rather than over-playing it as Cagney did so well. (That's still well worth watching!) He interpreted the part as a bit of a rouge rather than a buffoon, and it comes off great.
Again, it's a wonderful production, a real treasure. This is the way to do Shakespeare.