Shakespeare Film Adaptions | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The 10 Best Film Versions Of Shakespeare's Best Plays

All the world's a stage...or a set.

Celah Convis
Apr 15, 2019
Eastern Michigan University
56
David Tennant - Hamlet
Instagram

Shakespeare is one of the best-known writers of all time, but what often stops us from appreciating his works is that we treat them like other literature. Ever tried reading Shakespeare and couldn't get into it? Well, that's because his works were meant to be seen, not read. For a far more enjoyable idea of the bard's works, here are the 10 best film versions you can find of Shakespeare's best plays.

1. "Much Ado About Nothing" - 1993 Movie 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BciQkj-F3jk/

Of course, there are flaws with every production, but the success of a "Much Ado About Nothing" production largely relies on the relationship established between Beatrice and Benedick. Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson are both quick, witty, stubborn, and yet vulnerable in all the right places, making this version one of the most lively and entertaining.

2. "Julius Caesar" - National Theatre 2018 Production 

I didn't like "Julius Caesar" until I saw this version. Ben Whishaw is the perfectly tragic Brutus, loyal, analytical, and full of so much integrity it practically hurts. Michelle Fairley as Cassius gave new depth to the character beyond the typical scheming. And David Morrissey as Antony brings a new kind of fire and Slytherin-esque cunning often unseen in the character. Plus, the production value is insane.

3. "As You Like It" - National Theatre 2016 Production 

While we're talking about production value, we can't leave out this production. The transformation into the Forest of Arden is altogether one of the most magical moments I've witnessed in a theatre production, filmed or live.

4. "Henry V" - 2010 Globe Theatre Production 

http://www.markronan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1-globe-image-library-henry-iv-part-1-production-1.jpg

This production of "Henry V" perfectly balances between Hal's character and Falstaff's with the comedy and drama of both. The actors are also so well-trained with the language you could understand every word, even if you had never seen or read Shakespeare.

5. "Macbeth" - 2010 TV Film

https://www.amazon.com/Macbeth-Patrick-Stewart/dp/B004NB75BE

"Macbeth," one of Shakespeare's darkest works, is brought to life in this Patrick Steward-headed adaptation set during WWII. The acting is phenomenal and every word jumps off the screen.

6. "Romeo and Juliet" - The 1954 Film 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv5kytxlFFB/

The heart of "Romeo and Juliet" lies in the romance between its title characters and how tragic their ending is. This version's stars are perfectly sweet and genuine, which makes their untimely deaths absolutely heart wrenching.

7. "King Lear" -National Theatre 2018 Production 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlADoqcH5NT/

This version of "King Lear," featuring Ian McKellen in the title role, is likely McKellan's swan song onstage. His King Lear is nuanced, handling all the brokenness he needs to. The rest of the cast is also incredibly strong.

8. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" - 1999 Film

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv89MwwhP8r/

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a trickier play to get a good adaptation of. There aren't any versions I'm wholly satisfied with. But this one is probably the best. Even if you dislike certain aspects of it, it handles pacing and language well.

9. "Twelfth Night" - 1996 Film 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbIXH3LBemM/

This version of "Twelfth Night" was the first Shakespeare play I ever saw, and it still remains one of my favorites. Helena Bonham Carter in particular is highly underrated as a Shakespearean actress, but the whole cast manages to capture both the comedic and more moving parts of this play.

10. "Hamlet" - Great Performances 2009 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUPwmkklO9d/

"Hamlet" is one of the most widely-adapted Shakespeare plays, so there's plenty of options to choose from here. It's hard to explain exactly why I prefer David Tennant in the title role, other than that Hamlet is one of the most psychologically complex roles out there, and I can see all of it on Tennant's face, or hear it in his voice. Patrick Stewart as Claudius/Ghost provides an ambiguous sort of evil presence to the play. And the production design and contemporary setting of the play breaks down barriers between the audience and viewer, allowing us to really get lost in all the madness of Elsinore.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

Millennials of Michigan
36887
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
moana
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

University of Southern California
17722
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
college students
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

Appalachian State UniversityNational Writers Society
318755
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Yoga love

A long over due thank you note to my greatest passion.

University of Kentucky
31128
A person in a yoga pose surrounded by a supportive community of fellow yogis with a look of peace and gratitude on their face the image should convey the sense of strength mindfulness and appreciation that the writer feels towards yoga
StableDiffusion

Dearest Yoga,

You deserve a great thank you.

Keep Reading...Show less
yoga
Arts Entertainment

Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled

What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion.

George Mason University
11504
The Norse Creation Myth

Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.

Keep Reading...Show less
myths

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments