The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 25.051 Tuesday, 28 January 2014
From: Mike Jensen <
Date: Friday, January 24, 2014 at 5:47 PM
Subject: 2014 Shakespeare Films
An article about four films supposedly for 2014 and related to Shakespeare are behind this link. There is also a link to the Cymbeline trailer there.
http://shortlist.com/entertainment/films/4-shakespeare-films-to-get-excited-about-in-2014
[Editor’s Note: My thanks to Mike Jensen for calling my attention to this. –Hardy]
CYMBELINE
Contemporary takes on the Bard's great work can be hit and miss. For every Baz Luhrman's Romeo + Juliet, there's a, ermmm, Gnomeo & Juliet, but we're holding out hope for this one. An adaptation of one of Shakespeare's lesser-known plays, the action has been moved to modern-day New York and stars Ethan Hawke, Milla Jovovich, Penn Badgley and Ed Harris as Cymbeline. The trailer can be seen here and shows "a grudge war between corrupt cops and a drug-dealing biker gang in modern America". It will hit cinemas later this year.
MACBETH
Probably the most hotly anticipated film on the list, this take on Shakespeare's darkest tragedy has already assembled one hell of a double act. Recent Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender takes on lead duties while Marion Cotillard, replacing Natalie Portman, will be his devious wife. To make matters even more promising, it's being directed by Justin Kurzel, who wrote and directed the harrowing crime thriller Snowtown. It's also been picked up by the Weinsteins which means it's likely to get a hefty push for Oscars.
ENEMY OF MAN
Yet another Macbeth adaptation here but taking a slightly less traditional view of the material. According to the official Facebook page, this one will be "stripping back the dialogue and cranking up the action" which should prove interesting. It stars Sean Bean, Rupert Grint, James D'Arcy and Charles Dance and looks like it will take place largely on the battlefield. It'll be directed by actor Vincent Regan, who has starred in 300 and Snow White and the Huntsman.
ROSALINE
After the slightly underwhelming performance of the last incarnation of Romeo & Juliet, starring Hailee Stanfield, this alternate take hopes to do a whole load better. It's set to star Alison Williams, that's Marnie in Girls, as the titular character, better known as Romeo's jilted love and the cousin of Juliet. We then see the classic tragedy through her eyes. It'll be a comedic take and despite being set in the correct time, it'll use modern language. Dave Franco and Lily Collins are rumoured to take on the roles of the doomed lovers.