William Shakespeare, a cornerstone of English literature, often evokes mixed feelings. While revered, his works can be daunting. Fortunately, numerous adaptations offer a fresh perspective on his timeless stories. Here are 10 accessible Shakespeare adaptations for your viewing pleasure.
10. Things I Hate About You (1999) – The Taming of the Shrew
The Taming of the Shrew lends itself perfectly to a teen rom-com. 10 Things I Hate About You places Julia Stiles as Kat, an independent young woman, against Heath Ledger’s Patrick, a misunderstood bad boy. The film cleverly updates Shakespeare’s themes, making it relatable even decades later, largely due to Ledger’s charm.
9. Hamlet (2000)
Adapting Hamlet is risky; the protagonist can come across as dull. This 2000 version transplants the story to the corporate world, with “Denmark Corporation” as the setting. This shift maintains viewer interest by reframing the story within a context of modern corporate corruption. While not a top-tier film, its concept is undeniably clever, featuring Hamlet’s soliloquy in a video store—a nod to the early 2000s.
8. She’s The Man (2006) – Twelfth Night
The gender-swap premise of Twelfth Night makes for a great comedy. She’s The Man uses gender reversal effectively, with Amanda Bynes disguising herself as her brother to play on the boys’ soccer team. The film enriches Shakespeare’s characters. Duke, originally the Duke of Illyria, is now a college student who values women beyond their appearance. This adaptation injects depth and humor into the classic tale.
7. O (2001) – Othello
O insightfully captures the racial undertones of Othello in an elite boarding school setting. Odin, the only Black student and star basketball player, faces immense pressure to be perfect. The film deviates from Shakespeare by giving Hugo, the Iago character, a backstory, providing a clearer motivation for his villainy. The boarding school becomes a microcosm for spreading rumors and lies, amplifying the tragic impact of the story.
6. Romeo and Juliet (1996)
The 1996 movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, successfully blends Shakespeare’s original script with a 90s Miami backdrop, creating an oddly familiar world. This version embraces multiculturalism, queer representation, and action, set against an epic soundtrack featuring artists like Radiohead and Garbage. It sets a high standard for future Shakespeare adaptations, proving the limitless potential when done well.
5. Deliver Us from Eva (2003) – The Taming of the Shrew
Deliver Us from Eva hits the rom-com formula perfectly. Gabrielle Union plays Eva, whose overbearing nature leads her sisters’ partners to hire Ray (LL Cool J) to date her. Of course, Ray falls in love with Eva, leading to comedic complications. The film follows the familiar trope of the powerful, “bossy” woman and the “player” who settles down, making it a perfect modern Shakespeare tribute.
4. West Side Story (1961) – Romeo and Juliet
West Side Story transforms the Capulets and Montagues into rival gangs: the Puerto Rican Sharks and the white American Jets. This adaptation provides a more grounded rivalry rooted in prejudice. The addition of characters like Anita deepens the tragedy for Tony and Maria, with musical numbers that expand the story beyond the love story.
3. Richard III (1995)
Starring Ian McKellen, Maggie Smith, and Robert Downey Jr., this film sets Shakespeare’s play in 1930s Britain, where Richard (McKellen) is a fascist aiming to seize the throne. The familiar setting helps viewers follow the complex plot, enhanced by accurate period costumes that contrast British Armed Forces uniforms with SS-inspired elements for Richard’s followers.
2. The Tempest (2010)
Despite a low rating, the 2010 film adaptation of The Tempest earns its place, largely due to director Julie Taymor’s decision to cast Helen Mirren as Prospera. This gender switch has significant consequences; Prospera, accused of witchcraft, seeks to prevent her daughter from suffering the same fate. The shift alters the parent-child dynamic, and Djimon Hounsou’s casting as Caliban creates a parallel with colonialism.
1. The Lion King (1994) – Hamlet
A Disney classic, The Lion King subtly adapts Hamlet. While Simba might not seem like the melancholy Hamlet, the film mirrors key themes like betrayal, familial duty, and identity. Disney simplifies the complex elements of Hamlet, making it accessible and refreshing.
Exploring Shakespeare’s evolved forms can be rewarding. As Ian McKellen said, transplanting these stories into believable modern settings makes them resonate, reminding us that they are more than just movies or old-fashioned plays.
