The Fundy Film Society

Shakespeare in Love

In this well-conceived Elizabethan comedy, writers Tom Stoppard (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) and Marc Norman ask the question: Who was William Shakespeare’s (Joseph Fiennes, The Merchant of Venice) muse? The answer: Viola de Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow, The Royal Tenenbaums), a young noblewoman who dreams of acting on a man’s stage. The screenwriters deliver a cleverly crafted scenario which beautifully illustrates both the early aspirations of the playwright, and a glimpse into the culture of Elizabethan theater. A cast of colourful characters, like the Globe theater owner Henslow (Geoffrey Rush, Munich), the lead player in the troupe (Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting), and Queen Elizabeth I herself (Dame Judi Dench, Ladies in Lavender), lend the film charm, wit, and atmosphere. The young playwright who at the start of the film is experiencing writer’s block bursts forth with a lyrical text inspired by the lovely and passionate Viola. Ultimately this film is about the making of a great play, but most importantly it is about the power of words.