Pequot Library Presents: Shakespeare Film Festival
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Sit and watch as the world of William Shakespeare comes to life. Whether set in the future or the distant past, filmmakers have placed Shakespeare’s plays and characters in a wide variety of time periods and settings. See below for the lineup. While you’re here, check out our latest exhibition, How William Became Shakespeare: Four Hundred Years of the First Folio.
Shakespeare Film Series: Friday, Jan. 12
2:30-4:30 p.m. | Richard III
In this 1995 adaptation, starring Ian McKellen in the titular role, medieval Scotland is swapped for 1930s England in this stylish and captivating film. With supporting performances from Robert Downey Jr. and Annette Benning, this film does a commendable job at translating a complicated play into a different era.
4:30-6:00 p.m. | My Own Private Idaho
Released in 1991, Gus Van Sant’s classic coming of age story is based around Shakespeare’s history plays Henry IV, Part I, Henry IV, Part II, and Henry V. Starring River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, My Own Private Idaho is widely considered to be a landmark film in the evolution of LGBTQ cinema. This film explores mature themes and is rated R.
6:00-8:00 p.m. | Titus
Adapted from Shakespeare’s play Titus Andronicus, this 1999 film stars Anthony Hopkins in the title role as a roman general, depicting his tragic fall from power and influence. Titus also stars Jessica Lange as Tamora, the defeated Queen of the Goths, alongside Alan Cumming as Saturninus, the newly crowned Roman Emperor.
