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December 23, 2006
Coming April 23: The William Shakespeare Blog-a-thon!
As the lyrics go, "Brush Up Your Shakespeare". I propose a blog-a-thon devoted to possibly the greatest film writer of them all.
The IMDb lists 662 films either based or inspired by the Bard, but there are a few more unlisted. There are no restrictions as long as the film(s) or actors are in some way Shakespearean. I would say, "Let me count the ways", but the choices are limited to the imagination of whomever chooses to contribute.
Consider that there is Shakespeare filmed by Akira Kurosaw, Roger Corman, and Abel Ferrara. Perhaps your midsummer's night dream features James Cagney, Helen Mirren or Michelle Pfeiffer. Is the greatest Romeo Leslie, Laurence,Leonard or Leonardo?
There is also Gay Shakespeare, Sci-Fi Shakespeare, Gangster Shakespeare, Musical Shakespeare, Cowboy Shakespeare, Dogme Shakespeare, Troma Shakespeare, and Atomic Shakespeare.
I haven't even mentioned some of the more obvious films and filmmakers one could write about for this blog-a-thon. With the variety of choices, you don't need a double life to write about Shakespeare and film. Feel free in your choices, in other words, as you like it.
Posted by Peter Nellhaus at December 23, 2006 12:05 AM
Comments
Great idea! I'm in.
Posted by: Pacze Moj at December 22, 2006 04:33 PM
I forgot about the Lubitsch! I'm marking my calendar!
Posted by: tlrhb at December 22, 2006 09:28 PM
I'll do this. Great idea!
Someone really needs to put Joe Macbeth on DVD, by the way.
Posted by: Neil at December 23, 2006 01:10 AM
With additional dialogue by Sam Wood! Would love to. There are some Shakespeare treatments I have been trying to track down, so this should be fun. Or maybe I will go with the backstage Shakespeare; I think MGM's Kiss Me Kate is a bit underrated. :)
Posted by: Campaspe at December 23, 2006 08:06 AM
A very good piece of work, I assure you, and a merry.
April 23rd is just before the 50th anniversary of the SFIFF, but with all this lead time I should be able to put something together to post even if I'm busy then...
Posted by: Brian at December 23, 2006 04:37 PM
count me in.
Posted by: Nathaniel R at December 24, 2006 09:34 AM
Hey, did you guys know that Ran is actually based on some Shakespeare play?
Just kidding! I'm in, and I love this theme...
Posted by: AndyHorbal at December 25, 2006 10:28 AM
Hi, posted my interest in Chimes of Midnight. Are there too many volunteers for that one?
Posted by: Noel Vera at January 6, 2007 05:39 PM
To thine own self be true, Noel. I'm looking forward to your article.
Posted by: Peter Nellhaus at January 7, 2007 10:48 AM
Love the 'speare!
I'm still torn between which angle to look at, classic, contemporary or crazy!
Posted by: Squish at January 19, 2007 10:30 AM
Being a big fan of the bard as well as many of the great - and terrible - films based on his work, I'm looking foward to this and I'll try to participate myself!
Posted by: K. at January 31, 2007 02:17 AM
Just watched Tromeo and Juliet... wow. Can't wait for the 'thon!
Posted by: Squish at April 2, 2007 01:50 PM
I am certainly going to try to remember this so I can participate...this will be great!
Posted by: RC of strangeculture at April 16, 2007 08:51 AM