Art Imitates...Art? A new telling of a classic tale

Rating: 8/10 (6 February 2008)

Purists may view Shakespeare In Love as a ridiculous fictionalization of a great writer's greatest work. They may not believe that Gwyneth Paltrow can pull off the role of a refined English lady and literary aficionado. They may sneer at Ben Affleck donning a British accent and attempting to portray Mercutio on stage. To focus on these and other minor inconsistencies is to miss the point of this film. Shakespeare In Love is a wonderful romantic comedy set against the back-drop of a historical event; the writing of Romeo and Juliet. We know the story of the star-crossed lovers so well. Still, Shakespeare In Love allows the audience to experience this classic play in a unique and fascinating new way.
William Shakespeare has written some of the most historic plays and beautiful poetry in literary history. However, as Shakespeare in Love opens, he is suffering from writer's block. Commissioned by a struggling playhouse to produce a great new work, he sets out to write a comedy about Romeo and Ethel. He is encouraged to throw in a bit with a dog, as that seems to strike a chord with the illiterate public.
As he struggles with new pages for his play, Shakespeare becomes enchanted by Viola, a proper English lady who secretly yearns for the stage. Disguised as a man, since women were forbidden to act, she auditions at the sorry playhouse and gains the lead role. Once her identity is revealed to Shakespeare, they begin a love affair. Despite Viola being bequeathed to another man, their affair continues and she becomes Shakespeare's muse for one of the greatest love stories of all time.
The cast of Shakespeare In Love is the very definition of ensemble. Joseph Fines, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth and Dame Judi Dench highlight the array of talented British actors lending their craft to this film. Rush, a brilliant dramatic actor, has an equally refined gift for comedy. Shakespeare In Love allows him to let loose, with witty dialog and perfect comedic delivery. Dench exemplifies the dignity of the period as Elizabeth I. Her portrayal is reserved, yet powerful. Though she may have few scenes, she commands every one.
However amongst the litany of English stars, as Viola, Gwyneth Paltrow is able to more than hold her own. There is no need to suspend disbelief regarding her role as an proper English maiden. Her passion and presence command the screen. As a central character of this film, Paltrow must be completely believable. The audience must believe that this 'American actor' is the embodiment of Shakespeare's Juliet. Through Paltrow's Oscar worthy performance, we can.
Much like James Cameron's Titanic, the audience knows the main story and ultimately how it will end. Romeo and Juliet is a timeless classic. The enchanting aspect of Shakespeare In Love is it fictionalizes the process by which a true piece of literature is produced. The movie tries to answer the question of what inspired Shakespeare to write a play that expresses the very nature of love. This film is an interpretation of from where that genius came.
So often we hear about authors writing about their own experiences. Why should Romeo and Juliet be any different? Aspects of Shakespeare and Viola's "real life" work their way into Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare's attendance at the royal ball early in the film, their love affair despite Viola being promised to another man, even her nurse maid's character find their way into his play. The play takes a dark turn into tragedy precisely at the moment when Shakespeare and Viola realize they cannot be together.
It is important to remember that Shakespeare in Love is ultimately a fictional romantic comedy. Being a piece of fiction, the film allows the writer and director's imagination to run wild. This film is the ultimate example of the moniker "based on a true story". Except the true story is itself a piece of fiction. Romeo and Juliet is one of the truest love stories in all of literature. It is a staple of the high school cannon and familiar to millions of people. Shakespeare In Love is a marvelous take on a classic story. Purists can rest assured that not one word of Romeo and Juliet has been altered or diluted. In fact, the timeless play has become the impetus by which another great work has been born. Using the medium of the 20th Century, Shakespeare In Love is a great cinematic work.