Shakespeare’s work isn’t just associated with great writing, howeverit’s also associated with great acting.
11’Titus' (2000)
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The film wasJulie Taymors directorial debut, and she also wrote and co-produced the film.
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10’Romeo + Juliet' (1996)
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Shakespeare’s famous play is updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona still retaining its original dialogue.
9’Hamlet' (1996)
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Image via Fox Searchlight Pictures
After Hamlet sees his fathers ghost, who tells Hamlet he was poisoned, it begins a downward spiral.
It is the only film version of the play that is unabridged.
The cast also includesKate Winslet, with appearances fromJack Lemmon,Charlton Heston,Robin Williamsand more.
It was nominated for four Oscars.
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8’Twelfth Night' (1996)
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It was Branaghs directorial debut, and the cast also includesEmma Thompson,Judi DenchandChristian Bale.
Image via 20th Century Fox
Much Ado About Nothingis a delight to watch, Branagh and Thompson especially.
5’Coriolanus' (2011)
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The film is set during modern times.
Shakespeare’s famous play is updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona still retaining its original dialogue.
And it was a great one, with an incredible performance from Fiennes in particular.
The modern setting also helped draw attention to the storys themes, similar to adaptations of other plays.
4’Richard III' (1995)
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Image via Columbia Pictures
The cast also includes Jim Broadbent and Maggie Smith, equally impressive.
And unsurprisingly, this isnt McKellens only role in a Shakespeare adaptation.
He is just as great inKing Lear.
Richard III is a historical drama that reimagines Shakespeare’s play in an alternate 1930s England.
His ambition leads to a reign of terror and his ultimate downfall.
3’The Tragedy of Macbeth' (2021)
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Image via Summit Entertainment
The movie was shot in black and white.
Washington is no stranger to Shakespeare, as hed appeared in BranaghsMuch Ado About Nothing.
While he was a delight to watch, he truly shines in The Tragedy of Macbeth.
Image via BBC
He was nominated for multiple awards for the role, including the Academy Award.
2’Hamlet' (1948)
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Laurence Olivier
“To be or not to be, that is question.”
Image via BBC Films
It would be impossible to discuss Shakespeare films with great performances without mentioningLaurence Olivier.
Much Ado About Nothing is a William Shakespeare play that follows two pairs of lovers, Claudio and Hero, and Beatrice and Benedick, as they navigate romance and deception. It has been translated to the big screen numerous times, including Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 adaptation starring the director, Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, Robert Sean Leonard, and Kate Beckinsale, as well as Joss Whedon’s 2013 version, which includes appearances by Nathan Fillion and Clark Gregg.
Image via Lionsgate
Image via United Artists
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A Scottish lord becomes convinced by a trio of witches that he will become the next King of Scotland, and his ambitious wife supports him in his plans of seizing power.
Image via Universal Pictures
