William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English poet, actor and playwright. Much of his work explores the themes of love, hate, revenge, envy, death and tragedy.
As he is a prominent name in world literature, several film productions were based on his works.
We can find around 400 films ranging from short and feature films. Many of these film versions are modern adaptations of his plays.
Check out 10 recent films based on the works of Shakespeare below.
1. Othello (1995)
With a screenplay and direction by Oliver Parker, this feature film was based on the tragic work “Othello” by Shakespeare.
The drama portrays the story of the Moor general Othello and his noble wife Desdemona. The plot takes place in Venice during the Renaissance period.
Cassio is promoted to lieutenant by Othello. However, the envious Iago is offended and thinks of a plan to get revenge on Othello.
Faced with this situation, he begins to insinuate that his beautiful wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him with Cassio. Suspicious of his wife's fidelity, Othello even commits madness.
2. Hamlet (1996)
Directed by Kenneth Branagh, this drama was adapted from Shakespeare's "Hamlet". The film portrays the story of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, and his plan to avenge his father's death.
That's because after his father's death, his uncle Claudius marries his mother Gertrude. It is during his stay at the Palace of Elsinore that he encounters the ghost of his deceased father.
At this point, Hamlet discovers that his father's death was actually not caused by a snakebite, but by the one who now bears the king's crown. In this way, his main objective is to show the truth to everyone in the family.
Note: The Lion King (1994), one of Disney's biggest hits, was also based on Hamlet. Likewise, Simba's father was murdered by his uncle Oscar. Therefore, the objective is centered on recovering the very land and throne that were stolen by your uncle.
3. Romeo + Juliet (1996)
One of Shakespeare's most famous love stories brings together several film versions. In this version, the Capuleto and Montequio family have a long history of disputes.
This drama, directed by Baz Luhrmann, tells the story of Juliet, from the Capulet family and Romeu, from the Montequio family. Both fall in love during a masked ball that took place in the city of Verona (Italy).
However, the couple is unaware of its origins, however, when they find out, they hope that this family rivalry will end.
In the midst of so many adventures, the consequences of this love lead to great tragedy.
4. Twelfth Night (1996)
Based on Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night, this feature film was directed by Trevor Nunn. After a shipwreck, the pair of twin brothers, Viola and Sebastian, find themselves lost in a foreign country.
Certain that her brother had died, Viola disguises herself as a man and adopts the name Cesario. Over time, he becomes friends with the Count, Osino and Olivia, with whom the Count is in love.
Confusion begins when they both fall in love with Cesario. Filled with hilarious moments, this comedy of deceptions is considered one of Shakespeare's most brilliant.
5. A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)
Based on Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", this film was directed by Michael Hoffman.
This comedy takes place in Italy, where Hermia, the daughter of Theseus, will be forced to marry Demetrius, who is actually Helena's passion.
However, Hermia loves Lisandro and in order not to have to marry the other, she prefers to become a nun.
With a touch of fantasy, the work includes fairies and goblins that live in the forest. Together they try to solve the problem of mortals.
For this, Oberon asks his aide Puck to put magic filters in the eyes of mortals. However, the helper makes a mistake and ends up complicating mortals' lives even more.
6. The Merchant of Venice (2004)
Based on Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice", this film was produced by Michael Radfort.
The drama takes place in the city of Venice where Bassanio asks the Jewish moneylender Shylock for a loan.
However, it imposes a strange condition. If he doesn't get his money back in three months, Bassanio will have to pay with a piece of meat from his wealthy friend Antonio.
That's because the loan shark was waiting for the right moment to get revenge on Antonio. With this proposal and knowing that Bassanio would not have the money in three months, he ends up involving Antonio. The case is eventually taken to court.
7. The Tamed Shrew (2005)
Directed by David Richards, this film was based on one of Shakespeare's first comedies “The Tamed Shrew”.
Katherine is a woman with a very difficult temperament and in her late forties hasn't married yet. Her younger sister, Bianca, is the opposite of her, being a very sweet and beautiful woman.
Harry, who is very interested in the beautiful young woman, proposes marriage, however, Bianca is interested in the Italian Lucentio. As the girls' father says that Bianca will only be able to marry after her sister, she proposes that Harry marry Katherine.
8. The Storm (2010)
Directed by Julie Taymor, this dramatic comedy was an adaptation of Shakespeare's “The Storm”. The film begins with a scene of a strong storm and the sinking of a ship.
Since then, Prospera, who was betrayed by her brother Antonio, lives on a desert island with her daughter Miranda.
In time, she creates a society in her own way and becomes sovereign on the island. However, there is still revenge on Caliban, his former slave. On the island she becomes a sorceress and has an encounter with the spirit that helps her: Ariel.
9. Much Ado About Nothing (2012)
Directed by Joss Whedon, this comedy is based on Shakespeare's “Much ado about nothing”. The film portrays the story of a marriage between Hero and Claudius and all the twists and turns of the rebellious Don John conspiracy.
Hero's father, Leonato, was governor of Messina and is visited by his friend Don Pedro. He is accompanied by two officers Benedick and Claudio, the latter of whom falls in love with Leonato's daughter.
10. Macbeth: Ambition and War (2015)
Directed by Justin Kurzel, the film is based on Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth". The cinematographic work portrays the case of King Duncan's regicide by General Macbeth.
That's because the general meets three witches who reveal that he is destined to be the king of Scotland. So, with the help of his wife, Lady Macbeth, he kills the king and eventually takes the throne.
However, his ambition and madness after taking the throne make him a tyrant king. To protect yourself, you will have to commit many more murders.
Read too:
- William Shakespeare
- Romeo and Juliet
- Renaissance Theater
