|
| • Advanced Search • Help |
Love's Labour's Lost | Year: 2000 Directed: - Kenneth Branagh Actors/Actresses: - Alicia Silverstone - Kennet Brannagh - Martin Scorsese They Can't Take That Away William Shakespeare created a wonderful romantic comedy when he created LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST. One that is as identifiable today as when it was first scribed. Kenneth Branagh, today's greatest interpreter and presenter of the bard's work strays far from the text but not from the spirit of the work. In place of Will's words he has placed pre-WW2 popular tunes. The cast are neither dancers nor singers but that doesn't hinder the songs. That is not to say the songs themselves are not a hindrance. They occasionally feel forced which borrows from the respectability of the piece. Aside from the prolific Branagh, there are some excellent stand-out performances. Natascha McElhone (RONIN) gives great depth to a supporting role as Branagh's love interest. And both the treasured Nathan Lane and the hysterical Timothy Spall add a great deal of humor. But, the young Alicia Silverstone in an important role seems to be hindered by her own speech stylings, sometimes sounding robotic. Occasionally, the film has more 'style' than it can handle. But, when it's all stripped away, we are left with a Shakespeare story not often told. And they can't take that away from me. A delightful and wholly original version of Shakespeare Kenneth Branagh is easily one of the finest living actors and directors, and this under-rated, neglected little masterpiece is proof thereof. The musical numbers fit perfectly in theme as well as timing in the play, and successfully advance the story line and characters. He pays homage to Casablanca, Fred and Ginger, Esther Williams, Maurice Chevalier, and Bob Fosse, and Patrick Doyle's original soundtrack is one of his best. Even the casting lends the movie the youthful exuberance that young people in love embody. I have watched this DVD at least ten times and I cannot help but smile every time. A lighthearted and engaging romp I've always loved Branagh. From the moment he made film history with HENRY V (by being the first person since Orson Welles to earn Oscar nominations for both actor and director for the same film) to the light touch he brough to his voice acting in the animated ROAD TO EL DORADO, he has always been a favorite. But--a film musical based on one of Shakespeare's least-important works? Set in the late 1930's no less? Sounds almost as bad an idea as MOULIN ROUGE. Intrigued, we rented the film from Netflix. AND FELL IN LOVE. Who cares about the chop-job he did on the "sacred" text? Who cares about the lack of voice in some of his singers? What we watched was a film that made us smile from the opening credits all the way through the final act. Set aside your preconceptions about what a Shakespeare film should be. Set aside your ideas about what a musical should look like. Enjoy the fun of the film, the glamour of its costuming, its very likable cast. When most movies try to be either extravaganzas or "serious," it's nice to have Mr. Branagh and company give us something that does exactly what it sets out to do: give you a very pleasant entertainment. Buy Love's Labour's Lost at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Love's Labour's Lost Search with the Priority Search Engine on Love's Labour's Lost This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
|
