Yes, the guy from Sam Peckinpah's 'Straw Dogs' plays Lysander in this version. And he's not the only surprise - Mrs. Peel from the Avengers - Diana Rigg - plays Helena. You also have a nearly naked Judi Dench (covered only in body paint) and a very young Helen Mirren playing Hermia.
The film was directed by Peter Hall - founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
This film version got mixed reviews, but I like it because of the director's quirkiness. The acting is also quite good and I think kudos should be given to Paul Rogers for his portrayal of Bottom. I think Bottom has been a sorely neglected character in this play - Shakespeare put him in this play for a reason, however.
He is the guy everybody mocks, but when you really look at him, his character, his integrity and conscientiousness, he's probably the best person in the play. We are encouraged to laugh at him because of his 'lowly' social and economic stature, but I think Shakespeare wanted us to become aware of how easy it is to mock the innocent and sincere.
Let's be honest - movies from the late 60s were amazing. Please sit back and take in some Shakespeare.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.