no substance

Rating: 3/10 (19 January 2002)

Geoffrey Rush should have played the part, instead of a supporting role. He clearly has the bearing and the depth to bring the fractured soul and eagle-like genius of Shakespeare to the stage. Not that boy, the tall thin handsome one. They coughed up the truth. But this was just the beginning.
This play serves as the ultimate turn-off for potential Shakespeare fans and established ones alike. Skeptical neophytes often dismiss Shakespeare, assuming that fans are merely drawn to Elizabethan pronouns, accents, and costumes. Their prejudice will be confirmed by this picture, if they assume this is a reflection of the real thing.
The language is uninspired, even by Hollywood's standards. Bugs Bunny does a better job of twisting a line. The hallmarks of Shakespeare's writing go missing here.
I wonder - how many people were tempted to read a Shakespeare play who never had, based on a viewing of this movie? Mozart got a better 'shake' with Amadeus, a movie which generated enthusiasm for his music. Amadeus patronized banality, but never sunk below.
Terrible music also.
I give this movie a 3, in honor of the costumes and staging.