2021 saw the latest high-profile release of a Shakespeare adaptation withJoel Coen’sThe Tragedy of Macbeth, starringDenzel WashingtonandFrances McDormand.
Some ground rules for this list.
The films must utilize Shakespeare’s dialogue, as the gorgeous poetry and prose are crucial to his legacy.
The fifteen films here are theatrical, textual adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays.
As the archetypal direct address villain, McKellen brings so much joy to Richard’s cunning and wickedness.
Every syllable that he utters feels drenched in delicious slime.
Image via Guild Film Distribution
Fiennes stars as the titular character, a Roman general elected to office with open contempt for the public.
He and screenwriterJohn Logantransplant the play to the modern-day, shooting in Belgrade in place of Rome.
12.Henry V(1944)
The directorial debut fromLaurence Olivierhas a fairly unusual origin.
Image via Lionsgate
All of this is photographed in glorious Technicolor, creating vivid images we can only long for today.
Many people start withA Midsummer Night’s DreamorMacbeth, but my Freshman English teacher gave usJulius Caesar.
Needless to say, it worked, hence you reading this list.
Image via Warner Bros
A big reason it snapped into place was seeing the film directed byJoseph L. Mankiewicz.
The language became less daunting and transformed into beauty.
The production is far more minimal and perfectly matches the subdued, melancholy feeling pervading the entire picture.
Image via Two Cities Films
OliviersHamletputs psychology at the forefront, and the result is enchanting.
A worthy representative as the sole Shakespearean Best Picture winner.
Branagh chooses to not cut a single word fromHamletand shoots the four-hour epic in 70mm.
Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Are some of the big-name cameos in small parts distracting?
The ambition on display is entrancing.
The chances of a film being made like this ever again are sadly slim to none.
Image via Two Cities
7.Twelfth Night(1996)
1996 was a big year for Shakespeare.
Its bold, bloody, and beautiful.
For some strange reason, it’s exceptionally difficult to get ahold of.
Image via Columbia Pictures
Image via Columbia Pictures
Image via Summit Entertainment
Image via Fox Searchlight Pictures
