Shakespeare Not In Love With Paltrow's Inability to be Masculine.

Rating: 7/10 (25 February 2016)

Shakespeare in Love (1998): Dir: John Madden / Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench, Colin Firth: Intriguing film presenting Shakespeare within Shakespeare by suggesting his love for a woman but it also depicts his devotion to his work. He is played by Joseph Fiennes and he is at work on his new play called Romeo and Ethyl. Gwyneth Paltrow enters as the Queen's daughter who loves his work to the point of disguising herself as a boy to play a part. Fiennes discovers the truth and they fall in love. Dazzling production and art direction that best describes the period. Director John Madden places great emphasis on humour for mood. Fiennes plays Shakespeare as energetic, resourceful and passionate. Paltrow is fetching and fresh but unfortunately the role is overturned by the fact that she isn't convincing in her male disguise. She is also being given over to a tyrant whom she doesn't love. She has fun with the role but fools more people than realistically plausible. In colorful supporting roles are Geoffrey Rush in hilarious form. He is under pressure to see that the play goes on. Judi Dench steals scenes in a brief appearance as the Queen. Colin Firth plays the suitor who is arranged to claim the girl but will face the challenge. It demonstrates someone falling in love within their work as well as presenting compelling look into Shakespeare and the world he creates. Score: 7 ½ / 10