You can now watch an extremely fascinating fantasy film on Amazon Prime. The Tempest asks the question: what would a classic Shakespearean drama look like in a blockbuster?
The works of William Shakespeare have been adapted for film and television countless times – from faithful adaptations to abstract approaches to the Bard’s poetry. In 2010, American filmmaker Julie Taymor ventured to adapt one of his most famous plays: The Tempest.
Although the film was a box office flop and was so lukewarmly received that it has since been completely forgotten, it is worth taking a look at The Tempest. This is because it is one of the most fascinating Shakespeare films that Hollywood has produced in recent decades.
The Tempest on Amazon Prime: Shakespeare in the guise of a fantasy blockbuster
Just like the stage version, which premiered in 1611, the film revolves around the duchess Prospera (Helen Mirren). Through the machinations of her brother Antonio (Chris Cooper), she loses the throne and finds herself adrift on a raft with her daughter Miranda (Felicity Jones). They drift on the open sea, heading for certain death.
However, Prospera and Miranda are able to escape to an island where only one other soul dwells: the beast Cliban (Djimon Hounsou). For twelve long years, Prospera seeks revenge. When Antonio boards a ship, she does not hesitate for a second and conjures up a storm.
So Antonio also strands on that lonely island. He is accompanied by Alonso (David Strathairn), the King of Naples, and his entourage. What follows is a mixture of drama and comedy, closely following the words of Shakespeare’s original play – as well as the possibilities of modern blockbuster cinema.
The Tempest features exciting names both in front of and behind the camera
Julie Taymor, who previously caused a stir with expressive films like Frida and Across the Universe, directs The Tempest with a variety of CGI effects that transform the play into a cinematic epic that, away from the familiar conflicts, aims to impress with great spectacle and technical gimmicks.
Right from the start, the sinking of the ship seems to have been created in the same breath as one of the action-packed Pirates of the Caribbean films that dominated blockbuster cinema in the years leading up to the release of The Tempest. Later, the film transports us to fascinating worlds with its characters.
Taymor is not the only interesting name associated with The Tempest. There is also composer Elliot Goldenthal (Heat), who enhances the Shakespearean drama on a musical level, while the images by cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh (The Piano) oscillate between the fantastic and the grounded.
The Tempest boasts an impressive cast. Helen Mirren, Felicity Jones and Djimon Hounsou star in the leading roles. They are joined by Chris Cooper and David Strathairn, as well as Alan Cumming, Russell Brand, Tom Conti and Reeve Carney in further supporting roles, not to mention Alfred Molina and Ben Whishaw.
