Synopses & Reviews
"From the Globe to the multiplex, this exhaustive study leaves no stone unturned." (
Kirkus Reviews)
William Shakespeare is currently enjoying his most glorious and popular success since the golden days of the Globe Theatre-on Hollywood's silver screen. Here, in one volume, is a comprehensive and entertaining study of the many memorable film versions of Shakespeare's timeless plays. Arranged in the order the plays were written, this extremely readable guide allows readers to follow Shakespeare's development as a playwright (and screenwriter), and to compare the filmed versions of the play side by side. From the cinematic thrills of Kenneth Branagh's star-studded movies, to alternate adaptations like West Side Story, to the recent blockbuster success of Shakespeare in Love, the book will delight film lovers and Bard fans alike.
Review
“From the Globe to the multiplex, this exhaustive study leaves no stone unturned.”
—Kirkus Reviews “This princely volume conveys the fun of both Shakespeare and film analysis.” —Library Journal
“Brode covers a vast range of often fascinating terrain, with sections on silent films and spinoffs as well as such adaptations as Ian McKellen’s brilliant updating of ‘Richard III.’ He writes knowledgeably and often eloquently about the work of such producers as Kenneth Branagh, Akira Kurosawa and Orson Welles.” Washington Post “A highly lucid and intelligent view of almost every major adaptation of Shakespeare.” —Toronto Star
“Delightful…Brode’s stimulating discussions will send readers off to Blockbuster with long lists certain to provide many happy weeks of viewing.” —London Times
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. An Auspicious Opening
The Taming of the Shrew
2. The Winter of Our Discontent
King Richard III
3. Star-Crossed Lovers
Romeo and Juliet
4. A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups
A Midsummer Night's Dream
5. The Hollow Crown
Richard II; Henry IV, Parts I and II; Henry V
6. Sophisticated Comedy
Much Ado about Nothing; As You Like It; Twelfth Night
7. A Tide in Men's Lives
Julius Caesar
8. I Know Not Seems
Hamlet
9. The Green-Eyed Monster
Othello, the Moor of Venice
10. Fatal Vision
Macbeth