William Shakespeare and the Elizabethans were human after all

Rating: Null/10 (4 January 1999)

On your imaginary forces work! Imagine a "pitching session" in which a writer and director try to sell their project to a studio executive:
"'William Shakespeare as a romantic lead in a romantic comedy drawn from his own life,' you say? Where are the asteroids?! Where are the dinosaurs?!What about CGI?! How about noise, explosions, and loud music?! Isn't that what people go to the movies for?
'No,' you say? Did you really say 'human emotion?' You say it's 'Something that can make you laugh and cry at the almost the same instant!'
How is that possible?" the executive asks with disbelieving ears.
All the same, in spite of what skeptics may say, it is not only possible, but in fact it actually exists. The title is SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE. It is a something of a miracle. It's a small miracle to be sure, but nevertheless a miracle all the same. Yes, it does contain an anachronism or two. Yet, that won't spoil the fun. For fun is the operative word, accompanied by joy, laughter, and even a few tears. If you think you can't abide Shakespeare, make a point of seeing this film. Even if you think you know and love Shakespeare, this will make you experience him in a fresh way. For anyone who has actually worked in the the theatre, it's genuinely touching. And for anyone who really doesn't know him at all, this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.