Shakespeare in Love

Shakespeare in Love was witty and sweet. The movie attempts to explain William Shakespeare’s roots and rise to fame and fortune. It also aimed to shows the creative process and the making of many plays during the time period.

It is set in late Elizabethan England. Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush), the owner of the Rose Theater, owes money to loan shark (Tom Wilkinson). Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes), meanwhile, struggles with writing his next masterpiece, and need in inspiration. His newfound inspiration comes to him in the form of Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), the daughter of a wealthy Englishman, who is enthralled with theater and Shakespeare’s works. She put on a man’s clothes and auditioned for a role in Shakespeare’s new play. Later, at a ball, he sees her as a woman and falls in love. However, Viola was promised to Lord Wessex (Collin Firth), who will trade his title for her father's cash. Shakespeare is caught by Lord Wessex staring intently at his wife-to-be. He identifies himself as Marlowe, so he would not get in trouble. The forbidden love develops, but it is hindered at times due to her impending nuptials, which is made evident in the work in progress play, Romeo and Juliet. In the closing scene, their love remains strong in memory as they separated through tragic circumstances.

 The plot resembles a typical Shakespearean story with comic relief, coincidences, balls, and great tragedy. However, it was so much more than a banal replication of Shakespeare. It tried to explain the man behind Macbeth, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet.  The plot was well made, and was one of the movie’s strong points.
            The acting of several prominent characters was also one of the movie’s strong points.  Paltrow, Fiennes, Rush, Wilkinson, and Firth gave strong performances. Paltrow and Fiennes created a beautiful love pairing that truly convince the audience of their love. Every person in attendance felt something with every passionate speech they spoke. Rush and Firth each gave solid performances. Wilkinson brought a comedic light to his character. He convinces the audience of his evilness and malice, but then changes our opinion of him when his character becomes engrossed with the play. The change of traits proved to be ingenuous and humorous.

In conclusion, Shakespeare in Love, was a good movie with an interesting plot and strong cast of actors.