Now is the winter of our discontent and it’s time to warm up with some fun films that celebrate the classics of Shakespeare! It’s too cold to do anything outside, so why not check out the Michigan Theater’s two month-long lineup of unique and unexpected films which pay homage to the most beloved works of Shakespeare in honor of the 400th anniversary of his death.
The Bard: Film Adaptations of the Works of William Shakespeare will feature films which span styles and ages. The selection will include great classic renditions, as well as quirky modern reworkings. The films to be shown were made between 1944 and 2011, so there is something for fans of both classic and contemporary cinema.
From accurate adaptations to loose inspirations, the lineup is diverse and varied. “The series aims to show, through cinematic adaptation, how universal Shakespeare’s words, feelings, and thoughts are. They are as true now as when they were written, and will be as true a thousand years from now,” says program curator Brian Hunter in promotional material for the event.
The Classics
The Bard will feature a selection of films which are direct interpretations of the classics. These will include Henry V (1944) starring Laurence Olivier, The Taming of the Shrew (1967) starring Elizabeth Taylor, Macbeth (1948) directed by and starring Orson Welles, and Julius Caesar (1953) featuring Marlon Brando. These films will be great for fans of classic cinema as well as those interested in truer renditions of Shakespeare’s classics. These star-studded casts are sure to bring out the timeless intrigue, drama, laughter, and tragedy of these beloved plays. However, for those looking for more creative and imaginative renditions, The Bard has got you covered.
Interpretations
Since this event sets out to explore the timeless nature of Shakespeare’s works, The Bard will also feature some of the notable looser adaptations which are based in creative interpretation. Among these films will be the contentious 90’s DiCaprio version of Romeo and Juliet (1996) set in modern times, iconic Romeo and Juliet inspired musical West Side Story (1961), Joss Whedon’s spin on Much Ado About Nothing (2012), Akira Kurosawa’s stirring Macbeth inspired samurai epic Throne of Blood (1957), Kenneth Branagh’s unique 19th century interpretation of Hamlet (1996), and a modern rendition of Coriolanus (2011) directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes. These films may be a bit more watchable than the older renditions and they also show how the themes in Shakespeare’s work is so applicable to the human experience. If older films or drier interpretations of the source material are not your thing, these films could certainly fit the bill. Are you a fan of Shakespeare who wants to share your passion for the most beloved playwright of all time with all of your friends who find the subject boring? This could be the perfect way to give your loved ones the gift of Shakespeare without losing their interest. Perhaps after watching DiCaprio brooding around the screen as a modern day Romeo will make you yearn to see a more classical adaptation.
Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned Shakespeare fan or want to find out what all the fuss is about, this is the perfect film series for you! This winter take a journey through the timeless literary landscapes of the great playwright. The screenings will begin February 1st and will continue every week through the end of March.
Screenings begin at 7pm on Monday, February 1 and continue through Monday, March 28.
Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-668-8463.
michtheater.org/bard
