Shakespeare in Love

Shakespeare in Love is the witty and playful story of William Shakespeare's life in the year of 1593. The timing of the film is perfect because in the 90s classic as well as innovative interpretations of Shakespeare's famous plays have been numerous on film, just think of Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo and Juliet", Richard Loncraine's "Richard III" and Kenneth Branagh's numerous adaptations.

Shakespeare was not afraid to make drastic mood changes or to mix several genres in his plays. Neither is Shakespeare in Love. First of all it is a very funny and elegant comedy, but it also contains elements of farce, love story and tragedy. The play with the historical facts, for instance anachronisms, is clearly postmodern.

When the story begins, William Shakespeare is suffering from writer's block, but when he meets and falls in love with Viola de Lesseps, a beautiful merchant's daughter, she becomes his muse. Unfortunately she is engaged to Lord Wessex, but that does not stop the young lovers. In the end love, life and art triumph, and the film itself is a powerful celebration of this trio.