Shakespeare in Love Director: John Madden Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Judi Dench, Joseph Fiennes, Rupert Everett, Geoffrey Rush
Around the time of the Oscar nomination, Newsweek acutely pointed out that 1998 was little more for Hollywood than a pause between one record-breaking blockbuster and the next: Titanic and Star Wars, Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Indeed, 1998 was remarkable for little more than two of the best World War II movies ever made, which isn't really saying much. Regardless, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had to pick some movie as the best of last year's lot, and they did a good job: Shakespeare in Love was quite simply the best Hollywood movie last year, and will be featured at the Apollo next week, and with any luck, for the next two or three weeks.
The script is by far the best part of Shakespeare. This is not surprising since Tom Stoppard co-wrote it, and, as everyone knows, he just rules. His thorough command of Shakespeare's works allows for some rather sophisticated humor and insights, which is all just icing on the juggernaut of his wit. Incidentally, Stoppard wrote the screenplay for Brazil, which he was also nominated for, back in the day. He probably deserved to win just as well then, but there's no doubt he earned it this time.
Besides the quick wit of the script, and the brilliantly colorful array of characters throughout, the acting is well executed. Judi Dench won as Queen Elizabeth I and was nominated last year for best actress as Queen Victoria in Mrs. Brown. Most people know her best as M since the advent of Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. Paltrow won Best Actress, although she couldn't earn an Oscar to save all those members of her family that she was blubbering about in her acceptance speech. Fortunately, Paltrow is the only weak point. Excellent performances are delivered by pretty much everyone else, including a cameo by the ever-phenomenal Rupert Everett.
Finally, the directing; art direction, actually, more than anything else. The simple attention to detail is astounding. From the beautiful stains of ink in young Willie's (Joseph Fiennes) finger nails, to the dirty lace. (Dirty lace! How often does anyone go to the trouble of making lace look dirty and scuffed?). Of course, credit must be given to John Madden (not the former coach of the Oakland Raiders) for an excellent directing job as well. He took this gem of a script and pushed the quick banter to perfection. This is a flick not to be missed!
Rating: Show up late to quarter beer, blow off that paper another couple hours. Just don't miss this film.
Copyright © 1999, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 127, Number 18, April 2, 1999
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