Twelfth Night, or What You Will (2003) (TV)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Director:

Tim Supple

Writers:

William Shakespeare (play)
Andrew Bannerman (teleplay) ...

Release Date:

5 May 2003 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | Comedy | Romance

Plot:

Multicultural version of the Shakespearean tale Twelth Night, Made in modern day society featuring Anglo-Indian cast. |

Plot Keywords:

William Shakespeare | Shakespeare In Modern Dress | Modern Day Adaptation | Shakespeare's Twelfth Night | Based On Play

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Parminder Nagra	...	Viola
Ronny Jhutti	...	Sebastian
Chiwetel Ejiofor	...	Orsino
Burt Caesar	...	Valentine
Andrew Kazamia	...	Antonio
Claire Price	...	Olivia
Vic Tablian	...	Captain
Maureen Beattie	...	Maria
David Troughton	...	Toby Belch
Richard Bremner	...	Andrew Aguecheek
Ewart James Walters	...	Priest
Zubin Varla	...	Feste
Vincenzo Nicoli	...	Fabian
Michael Maloney	...	Malvolio
Faz Singhateh	...	Olivia's servant

Runtime:

UK:125 min (including commercials)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

Projector Productions

Movie Connections:

Version of Twelfth Night, or What You Will (1988) (TV)

For Those With an Open Mind and Open Heart

I find this an almost impeccable film version of this very subtle Shakespearean comedy, far transcending my former favorite, the 1996 film version by Trevor Nunn, which now pales in comparison. Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT was probably written shortly after HAMLET, around 1601 or 1602, and thus embodies all the complexity of thought and feeling that dominated Shakespeare's greatest period of dramatic productivity. This is not COMEDY OF ERRORS or even MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. This is a hilarious comedy tinged with darkness, with Shakespeare probably finally processing the death of his only son, Hamnet, in 1596. This film version of the play captures all that complexity. It is outrageously funny in its dark way, deeply thoughtful, and very powerful in its emotional resonance. This film elucidates characters, character relationships, and situations as no other production I have ever seen. Even the usually, nearly invisible Fabian becomes an important figure in the play. I am especially thrilled by the fresh line readings, many of which have opened new doors for me after nearly 40 years and dozens of experiences with this text. However, many people will be put off by this version's style, which is liberated and far from what people expect from Shakespeare. If one can open one's mind and heart to what is actually here and accept the film's style as a legitimate artistic choice, the appropriateness and power of the camera work and soundtrack become part of this film's strongest features. It is a version that can move those inexperienced with Shakespeare and those who know the text intimately.