Though there’s nothing like seeing Shakespeare live on stage, the magic of cinema can bring new light to the Bard’s classic works—and can allow us to view timeless performances over and over again. How many great Shakespearean performances have you seen at the movies? Here are 17 film versions of Shakespeare that all actors must watch.
“Henry V” (1944, Sir Laurence Olivier)Partially funded by the British government following the devastation of World War II, this widely lauded film adaptation of a Globe Theatre production earned Olivier a special honorary Academy Award for his work as actor, producer, and director.
“Hamlet” (1948, Sir Laurence Olivier)Olivier created another impactful turn with this acclaimed (if not perfectly faithful to the text) adaption of one of Shakespeare’s greatest works. Starring as the title role, Olivier carefully focused his directorial narrative on the characters’ psychological turmoil, removing the characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern entirely.
“Julius Caesar” (1953, Joseph L. Mankiewicz)Marlon Brando emerged as a classical talent in this epic film, and was nominated for an Oscar for his work as Marc Antony. Greats James Mason and
Leave a Reply