Filming Shakespeare's Plays: The Adaptations of Laurence Olivier, Orson Welles, Peter Brook, and Akira Kurosawa : Book Review

"Filming Shakespeare's Plays" by Anthony Davies is a captivating and thorough exploration of the complexities and achievements involved in adapting Shakespeare's works for film. Davies meticulously analyzes the techniques and strategies employed by directors to capture the essence of these timeless plays on the big screen. This book offers an engaging and educational journey into the world of Shakespearean cinema, with a comprehensive examination of notable film adaptations.

One of the strengths of "Filming Shakespeare's Plays" is Davies' ability to blend scholarly research with a readable writing style. He presents his findings in a clear and accessible manner, making it suitable for both academics and casual readers interested in Shakespearean film adaptations. The book delves into the challenges of translating the theatrical experience into a visual medium and discusses how directors maintain the integrity of the original texts while utilizing the unique tools of cinema.

Davies pays considerable attention to specific film adaptations, including renowned works like Laurence Olivier's "Henry V" and Franco Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet." By analyzing these films in detail, Davies offers valuable insights into the directorial choices, interpretation of the texts, and the broader impact of these adaptations on our understanding of Shakespeare's plays.

Additionally, "Filming Shakespeare's Plays" effectively traces the evolution of Shakespearean adaptations over time. Davies explores the early experiments of silent film and explores how filmmaking techniques and cultural contexts have shaped these adaptations. This historical perspective adds depth to the analysis and enhances our understanding of the complex relationship between theater and cinema.

In conclusion, "Filming Shakespeare's Plays" is a thought-provoking and engaging book that provides a comprehensive study of Shakespearean film adaptations. Anthony Davies combines meticulous research with a clear and accessible writing style, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of Shakespeare's plays and film. Whether you are a passionate fan of the playwright or a film enthusiast, this book offers a fascinating and informative exploration of the challenges and triumphs in bringing Shakespeare to the silver screen.

What are readers saying?

The reception of Anthony Davies' book "Filming Shakespeare's Plays" by readers has been varied. Some reviewers have expressed admiration for the book's informative content and its insights into the challenges and creative decisions involved in adapting Shakespeare's plays for film. They appreciate the author's extensive knowledge and research on the subject, as well as the detailed analysis of various film adaptations and the inclusion of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and filmmaker interviews. These readers find the book to be a valuable resource for both film enthusiasts and Shakespeare fans.

On the other hand, there are reviewers who have criticized the book for being overly technical and lacking depth. They believe that the author's focus on technical aspects such as camera angles and lighting detracts from the overall readability of the book. These readers argue that a more balanced approach, with a deeper exploration of the thematic and artistic choices made in adapting Shakespeare's works, would have made for a more engaging read.

Another point of contention among reviewers is the book's outdated nature. Published in 1993, some readers feel that it fails to analyze more recent film adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, making it less relevant and comprehensive. They suggest that a revised edition that incorporates newer works would be more valuable.

Despite these criticisms, many readers still find the book to be valuable due to its wealth of information and scholarly approach. They appreciate the book's examination of the challenges faced by filmmakers in bringing Shakespeare's works to the screen, as well as its exploration of the different approaches taken in various adaptations.

In conclusion, "Filming Shakespeare's Plays" receives a mixed reception from readers. While some appreciate the informative content and extensive research, others find it too technical and outdated. Those seeking a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between Shakespeare and film will likely find value in this book, but those seeking a more accessible or up-to-date analysis may be left wanting.

ShakespearePlays FilmingPlays ClassicLiterature