One of the last plays by Shakespeare is by far his best. What makes it great is what it has in common with the Epistles of Paul: It speaks to the future, not to its moment of appearance. Directed by Julie Taymor (much of her fame rests on the stage adaptation of the movie The Lion King), and starring Helen Mirren as Prospero (inspired casting) and Djimon Hounsou as Caliban (smart casting), the film overwhelms us with beautiful music, people, scenery (it was filmed on a Hawaiian island), and language. Taymor does not update a thing—and why would she? The play already speaks to our dazzling and complicated age of international trade, postcolonial resentment, and mass entertainment. (See Movie Times: thestranger.com/film)
Charles Mudede—who writes about film, books, music, and his life in Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, the USA, and the UK for The Stranger—was born near a steel plant in Kwe Kwe, Zimbabwe. He has no memory... More by Charles Mudede
Good Morning Charles,
If you like Julie Taymor as a film director, I highly recommend “Titus Andronicus” (also by Shakespeare). Outstanding. It features Anthony Hopkins & Jessica Lange among others. The film might be entitled “Titus”.
I agree with @1 – saw that at the Cinerama.
But do see The Tempest!
No, nothing updated – unless you count: the zippered PVC fetish-wear costumes, the weird electronica sound track, and recasting Prospero as a female.
But, other than that…
Wow, Helen Mirren looks really hot in that outfit. Rrrow!
@4 – At first glance, I thought it was David Bowie.