The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 9.1008  Monday, 19 October 1998.

[1]     From:   Justin Bacon <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
        Date:   Tuesday, 13 Oct 1998 00:52:39 -0500
        Subj:   Re: SHK 9.0976  Re: New Shakespeare Films by Branagh

[2]     From:   Stephanie Hughes <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
        Date:   Saturday, 17 Oct 1998 10:38:47 +0000
        Subj:   Re: SHK 9.0985  Re: New Shakespeare Films by Branagh


[1]-----------------------------------------------------------------
From:           Justin Bacon <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Tuesday, 13 Oct 1998 00:52:39 -0500
Subject: 9.0976  Re: New Shakespeare Films by Branagh
Comment:        Re: SHK 9.0976  Re: New Shakespeare Films by Branagh

> My apologies, to you, Messrs. Holm, deNiro and all the others.
> *Frankenstein* was a bad example of using neophyte actors,

I think you will find it difficult to point to any Branagh-directed film
and find neophyte actors. However, I wish he would make sure he was
getting actors who can actually handle the parts he has given to them
(>cough< Jack Lemmon >cough<).

> but it's
> certainly a good example of self-indulgence.

I doubt there are many in this world who would dispute that FRANKENSTEIN
was an absolutely horrid film.

Justin Bacon
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

[2]-----------------------------------------------------------------
From:           Stephanie Hughes <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Saturday, 17 Oct 1998 10:38:47 +0000
Subject: 9.0985  Re: New Shakespeare Films by Branagh
Comment:        Re: SHK 9.0985  Re: New Shakespeare Films by Branagh

> I have admit I was initially baffled when I heard this was his next
> project -- having only read the play LLL hardly seemed something worth
> doing when there are so many other plays which have yet to see a decent
> film adaptation. However, I have had occasion since then to actually see
> the play performed (by a local theatre-in-the-park group), and realized
> that there is something about this piece which simply works in
> performance. I resolved to re-read the play, but have not yet managed to
> actually accomplish that. If Branagh catches that ineffable something
> which I saw hinted at (and I have no reason he will not-otherwise I
> doubt he would be doing the play), then this promises to be an excellent
> film.

To me, LLL is one of his best, a singing, lacey valentine of a play,
almost as intensely romantic as MSND. I just hope that if music is added
it isn't allowed to interfere with the poetry. For some reason,
producers seem to think that great poetry is "improved" by putting music
behind it. The effect, of course, is to confuse the ear, and ruin both.
Sigh.

Stephanie Hughes

Subscribe to Our Feeds

Search

Make a Gift to SHAKSPER

Consider making a gift to support SHAKSPER.