Shakespeare in Love

Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes
Director: John Madden
Genre: Comedy
Year: 1998
Rating: 5 / 5

Thirteen Academy Award Nominations. The second-highest total of all-time. Yet, in spite of all of that, I am struck by the name which does not find itself on the Oscar ballot - Joseph Fiennes. Gwyneth Paltrow is receiving top billing as the star of Shakespeare in Love, the Miramax venture directed by John Madden, but it is Joseph Fiennes who really carries this movie. Finally emerging from the long shadow cast by his brother Ralph (The English Patient), Joseph Fiennes excels as Will Shakespeare, the poor scribe whose only quest is inspiration. It is a quest which leads him to the lovely Viola De Lesseps (Paltrow), a woman who reaches both his body and his soul.

Shakespeare in Love is the comic story of the young Shakespeare, the chief writer for struggling playhouse owner Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush, in a deservedly Oscar-nominated role). Henslowe runs one of two competing playhouses, whose fortunes are hinged to their respective writers: Will Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe (Rupert Everett). The problem, it seems, is that Will has lost his inspiration, not to mention the fact that he is constantly (and quite humorously) reminded that he is not in Marlowe's league. Hovering in the wings while Queen Victoria (Judy Dench) watches one of his plays, Will finds himself focusing on Viola. The beautiful woman of high social standing is clearly out of his league, but that does not stop the lovestruck Will from pursuing her across the countryside.

As Will begins his courtship of Viola, his forthcoming masterpiece Romeo and Ethel begins to take shape. Conceived originally by Henslowe as a pirate caper, it soon takes the form of Romeo and Juliet, destined to be one of Shakespeare's most famous works. With Viola, disguised as a male, playing the lead role of Romeo, the production seems like a surefire hit. Of course, there is the forthcoming arranged marriage of Viola, as well as the stage proviso that women cannot appear, which creep up to impede the progress of Will's hopes and visions. For as Will and Viola's love for each other grows, Will comes to see the reality of their plight and the inevitable conclusion which must visit his tragic script.

Shakespeare in Love is worth every bit of the advance hype which greets it. Paltrow and Fiennes shine as the two leads, deftly expressing their growing passion and desire for inspiration. Rush (Elizabeth, Shine), whom I grew to love while watching Les Miserables, is nearly unrecognizable as Henslowe, and he plays the part superbly. Judy Dench dominates every moment of her screen time as the scene-stealing Queen Elizabeth, delivering the majority of the movie's witty retorts. I loved the movie as is, yet I wish I were better versed in Shakespeare, so I might have been able to appreciate more of the multitude of Elizabethan jokes. Nonetheless, the movie is both light-hearted and touching, a combination that has led the film to public and critical success alike.

Cast:

Gwyneth Paltrow..........	Viola De Lesseps
Joseph Fiennes..........	Will Shakespeare
Geoffrey Rush..........	Philip Henslowe
Judy Dench..........	Queen Elizabeth
Ben Affleck..........	Ned Alleyn

Certification: Rated R for sexuality.
Running Time: 122 minutes.

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