The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 10.2281 Thursday, 23 December 1999.
From: Tom Reedy <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Wednesday, 22 Dec 1999 10:39:52 -0600
Subject: 10.2274 Re: Henry V (and Branagh)
Comment: Re: SHK 10.2274 Re: Henry V (and Branagh)
>>I suspect, though admittedly without any substantial evidence, that if
>>Shakespeare were alive today, he would be in the film business, where
>>significant money is, and would recognize that the entire scope of
>>entertainment in today's modern world makes unnecessary a three and a
>>half-hour stage production.
>
>I have to respectfully submit that I believe Shakespeare wrote for other
>motives than money.
>
>Judy Craig
And I have to respectfully submit that I believe that those who write
for the cinema today also write for other motives than money, although
money is certainly one. Shakespeare was a human being, not a god, and
therefore had mixed motives for his actions, as all humans do. This
art/money motive argument tries to force Shakespeare into the role of
either a tin Jesus or an idiot savant, and is made by those who would
have him a much less complicated person than any of the characters he
created.
Tom Reedy
