In celebration of William Shakespeare's 450th birthday, I thought it only apropos to write a post honoring the author who penned the works from which my parents bestowed my name. (That's correct, the name "Portia" is found in two of Shakespeare's works, The Merchant of Venice and Julius Caesar.)
In unison with Shakespeareans around the globe celebrating the life and works of this prolific writier, I offer a unique look at a few modern film versions of the Bard of Stratford-upon-Avon's famous works.
Directed by Joss Whedon, Much Ado About Nothing is an adaptation of Shakespeare's original tale of love, deception and reconciliation, re-envisioned with a contemporary setting and nostalgic black and white hue.
Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger star in 10 Things I Hate About You as Kat and Patrick in the re-imagined version of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. The film's American high-school setting skillfully interweaves contemporary social issues regarding relationships and gender equality. The BBC TV series ShakespeaRe-Told version of this work features Rufus Sewell as gallant Petruchio and Shirley Henderson as the sharp-tongued Kate in a riotous retelling that I highly recommend.
The romantic tragedy Romeo + Juliet stars Claire Danes and Leonardo DeCaprio as Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montague,the ill-fated lovers from one of Shakespeare's most widely known and quoted works. This version retains the vernacular of the original text but is set in a modern, urban environment.
For more on the Bard's 450th birthday, check out the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier.
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