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First I have to make it clear that I have never really thought much of A Midsummer Night's Dream. I have always considered it fairly frivilous and not too important in William Shakespeare's career. I really do not know why, it just is what it is. I must say, that Michael Hoffman's William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream is a very good film, BUT, it is not for everyone because it is pure Shakespeare updated to 19th Century, Tuscany, Italy where the characters ride around on a new invention, the bicycle. All the magical fairies, tangled romances, Oberon and Puck are all here to bedevil the hapless humans, as Puck says, "What fools these mortals be".
The movie opens with an interesting effect to show the name of the film, it's quite magical. The opening is interesting but then it bogs down for about 15 minutes and since I was tired I found it a bit of a struggle staying awake, but I did and I was rewarded. I quickly woke up as the scene moved into the woods late at night as the fairy world came to life with interesting, magical creatures. Stanley Tucci plays the mischevious Puck quite well as does Calista Flockheart(Alley McBeal> as Helena one of the tortured lovers. The other lovers are played by Christian Bale as Demetrius, Sophie Marceau as Hippolyta and Domenic West as Lysander. I personally feel that Michelle Pfeiffer as Titania, the fairy Queen was absolutely beautiful. Kevin Kline as Nick Bottom and Ms. Pfeiffer stole the show in my opinion. They did and excellent job.
This is a good film for school teachers to take their students to see but remember this is not a youth market oriented film like Romeo and Juliet that was put out two years ago. This film will help student's understand this play a lot easier, but it will not be an easy sell. It is worth the money if this type of film is your cup of tea.
Cast and Credits: Starring: Christian Bale, Rupert Everett, Calista Flockhart, Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sophie Marceau
Directed by...Michael Hoffman
Written by...William Shakespeare/Michael Hoffman
Distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures
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