Perfect Romantic Comedy

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 2019)

This is the perfect example of an exceptionally well-crafted film in every respect. The direction is light and sweepingly romantic. The various visual departments-costumes, art direction, cinematography-are gorgeous and distinctive. The light soft glow of the cinematography is especially pleasing. The score is dynamic and enriches the emotions of the story. It is a shockingly well rounded film.
There are two things that are truly exceptional. First, the script is an endlessly clever piece of writing. The more you look at it the more you see in it. I always pick up on a new facet and/or joke when I re-watch the film. This time I noticed that as the Comedy of Romeo and Ethel transmutes into the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare in Love has transmutes from a farce into a dramedy. The script is a loving homage to the Bard and many of his common plot devices are deployed with wit and vigor. Play with a play, mistaken identity, crossdressing, a twist a fate etc. all get referenced and used to in delightful ways. The script is just perfect and has more layers to it than people give it credit for.
Likewise, the acting is uniformly excellent. Affleck is the perfect ham. Fiennes is sexy, sensuous and a great Shakespeare. Rush gives a great turn as a early fast talking producer. But the real standout is Paltrow. She is utterly believable as the muse that inspires Romeo and Juliet while being funny, authentic. There is an otherworldly quality to her that fits the story; the film would have collapsed on itself without this magical turn.
This is the exemplar of what Best Pictures should be. It is so unfairly maligned and bashed do to gender politics.