The English playwright William Shakespeare made plays out of poetry during the Elizabethan era so it’s no wonder his works are frequently adapted into films. All aspects of the production design can unite to create an overall pleasing experience for the eye the way the words are for the ear. With The Tragedy of Macbeth about to make its streaming debut on Apple Plus, here are the most visually stunning Shakespeare adaptations that create unforgettable images.
1. Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
The gorgeous Tuscany locations take center focus in this film, and why not? The warm sun and the lush trees are a wonderful backdrop for this funny and romantic tale, and director Kenneth Branagh makes sure his camera takes full advantage of all of it. Hedges are useful for a convenient bit of overhearing, there are swings and fountains for cavorting, and the whole atmosphere feels conducive to love. The coordination of the costumes is a nice bonus touch as well. The Shakespeare adaptation people want to live in the most might very well be this one.
Much Ado About Nothing is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
2. William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Director Baz Luhrmann and his production and costume designer Catherine Martin come close to building a created world for this version of Shakespeare’s tragic love story. They use religious iconography and various influences throughout the decades for their modern setting in this film. This includes all the sets and costumes. Luhrmann and Martin don’t forget the romance, using a fish tank for the lovers’ first glimpse of each other and a pool for the balcony scene. Add in locations like Chapultepec Castle in Mexico and you have a film that looks theatrical and memorable.
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet is available for rent on Amazon Prime Video.
3. Hamlet (1948)
The legendary Sir Laurence Olivier wrote, directed, and stars in this adaptation of the Danish prince bent on avenging his father’s murder. In contrast to Romeo +Juliet, this film takes a stark and austere approach to the visuals. Black and white cinematography enhance this effect. The sets are made up of harsh lines and silhouettes that support the tone of the story itself. Also, don’t forget the scene of Ophelia’s death is staged to resemble the famous Sir John Everett Millais painting of the same subject. This film captures a viewer’s eye in an entirely different way than most others.
Hamlet is streaming on HBO Max.
4. Ran (1985)
Epic is the keyword when discussing this Shakespeare film. Japanese master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa translates “King Lear” onto the feudal era of his country’s history and the result looks amazing. Color-coded flags help the audience distinguish between the armies of three sons battling it out over their father’s land. The scope of Kurosawa’s shots is what sets this adaptation apart from the rest. The sheer size of what the camera captures here is remarkable, and that’s not something you can often say about a movie based on a play. Kurosawa’s other Shakespeare works are wonderful, too.
Ran is available for rent on Amazon Prime Video.
5. Titus (1999)
This one is the “challenging” entry on this list. Sometimes, the eye needs the traction of something anachronistic or jarring for the full effect of a story to take hold. That’s what director Julie Taymor strives for with this version of Shakespeare’s early tragedy “Titus Andronicus.” The sensationalistic edge to this play is emphasized to the hilt with violence, gore, and strange images you won’t soon forget. Every once in a while, there is a place for the unpleasant kind of captivating. This film qualifies.
Titus is available for purchase on DVD.