Shakespeare in Love (HBO) - (1998)

About Shakespeare in Love (HBO)

William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) is on a cold streak. Not only is he writing for Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush), who, they both know, is disorganized and without funds, but he's got a nasty case of writers' block. Wrapped in the cocoon of intrigue, passion, and deception, William finds his muse in the form of passionate woman, and the mistress of Lord Wessex (Colin Firth), Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow). The path of true love does not run smoothly for Will, but the trials and tribulations make for a humorous and heartwarming romance.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by John Madden and written by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. Produced by Miramax Films, it blends both comedy and drama to depict an imaginative backstory for the writing of Shakespeare's play 'Romeo and Juliet'.

Actors

• Joseph Fiennes played William Shakespeare, successfully portraying the frustration and creativity of the confused yet passionate playwright.
• Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola De Lesseps, who lent an excellent, enchanting performance as Shakespeare's secret lover and muse.
• Geoffrey Rush portrayed Philip Henslowe, a stressed yet perpetually positive theatre owner.
• Colin Firth took on the role of Lord Wessex, a despised, ambitious nobleman who seeks Viola's hand.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Judi Dench won an Oscar for her role as Queen Elizabeth I, even though she only had about 8 minutes of screen time.
• Gwyneth Paltrow reportedly did most of her scenes in one take.
• This was the first comedy to win the Best Picture Academy Award since Annie Hall (1977).

Awards

The movie won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Gwyneth Paltrow, and Best Supporting Actress for Judi Dench.

Quotes

• "You will never age for me, nor fade, nor die." - William Shakespeare
• "Can a play show us the very truth and nature of love?" - Queen Elizabeth
• "How can lovers be true? While her husband holds the purse." - Philip Henslowe

Music, Soundtrack

• The arresting, romantic soundtrack was composed by Stephen Warbeck and won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
• Famous songs from the movie include "The Beginning of the Partnership", "Viola's Theme", and "The Play and the Marriage".