Disappointing

Rating: 1/10 (13 February 1999)

This film was a great disappointment. I was looking forward to a comedic Shakespeare film and found a dramatic romance film with great set designs and a good performance by Gwyneth Paltrow but not much more. It was confusing and almost downright boring (not to mention historically inaccurate-it takes place in the wrong year). SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE played to me like Romeo and Juliet put through a food processor. Although I am strongly disagreed with by most critics and audience members, and 13 Oscar nominations, I would recommend instead of this film, renting Franco Zefferelli's ROMEO AND JULIET. That film truly showcases William Shakespeare's unbeatable playwriting genius.