Barnes & Noble

This clever Shakespeare adaptation, an over-the-top romantic comedy animated by gender confusion (a plot device that was already timeworn in the Bard’s day), updates the original play by setting its action in the 18th century. When a violent storm capsizes the ship on which she is a passenger, Viola (Imogen Stubbs) winds up on shore in an unfamiliar kingdom and, to avoid being victimized, cuts her hair and dresses in the clothes of the twin brother she believes lost at sea. Posing as a boy, she becomes a page for, and falls in love with, handsome Count Orsino (Toby Stephens), who is in turn crazy about the lady Olivia (Helena Bonham Carter). For her part, Olivia, believing Viola a boy, develops feelings for the young page rather than the desperate suitor. This puts the castaway is a tough spot; Viola dares not let either person know that “he” is actually a “she.” As a longtime member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, director Trevor Nunn (Lady Jane) has the material down cold, and he elicits finely calibrated performances from a cast that obviously knows and appreciates the subtleties of Shakespearean dialogue. Stubbs is delightful as the hapless cross-dresser, milking every situation and line for best comedic effect. Bonham Carter is equally skillful, resisting the obvious temptation to play her role with sly winks to the audience. Supporting player Richard E. Grant engages in some scene stealing as the foppish Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and Ben Kingsley shines as the troubadour Feste. Director Nunn really demonstrates his facility in the movie’s last quarter, presenting third-act plot twists and staging character interplay with perfect timing. Delightfully ribald and expertly made, Twelfth Night should amuse even those who normally shun Shakespeare. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

The classic Shakespearean comedy about mistaken identity and gender confusion is brought to the screen once again in this British production, courtesy of screenwriter-director Trevor Nunn. Nunn has transferred the time period to the Victorian Era of the late 19th century. Two twins, Viola (Imogen Stubbs) and Sebastian (Steven MacKintosh), are separated when their ship capsizes. Each believes that the other has drowned. Viola washes ashore on the coast of Illyria. She disguises herself as a man and assumes the name Cesario so that she can take a position as an aide to the Duke, Orsinio (Toby Stephens). Orsinio desires Olivia (Helena Bonham Carter), who refuses his attentions. He also flirts with Maria (Imelda Staunton), Olivia's maid. Orsinio sends Cesario as an emissary to Olivia. The foppish Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Richard E. Grant) also seeks Olivia's love. He is a friend of her besotted uncle, Sir Toby Belch (Mel Smith). With the clownish philosopher Feste (Ben Kingsley), all these members of Olivia's household plot to embarrass the dour Malvolio (Nigel Hawthorne), a butler who has no tolerance for frivolity. They fool Malvolio into thinking that Olivia desires him, and when he confesses his love, Olivia orders him imprisoned as a madman. Sebastian then turns up and is mistaken for Cesario. A series of mishaps follows. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide

Product Details

• UPC: 014381135626
• Source: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
• Region Code: 1
• Language: English
• Time: 2:14:00
• Sales Rank: 7,086

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Edward Ii/All Over Me/Twelfth Night

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