Shakespeare Supremacy
When I think of Shakespeare, I think of made-up, sophisticated words and dramatic plays that would take me hours to decipher a single scene. What I never realized, though, is that my two favorite movies are modern Shakespeare spin-offs. Who knew that a man wearing an accordion-looking scarf–it’s called a ruff apparently–was the mastermind behind two of the best movies ever? Maybe I’ll check out more of his works. Whether you’re a Shakespeare lover or not, here are two fabulous movies based on his plays that you should totally check out.
“She’s the Man”
Filled with soccer rivalries, secret identities, and complicated dating webs, “She’s the Man” is a 2006 rom-com that is a MUST WATCH. I think I’ve made every single one of my friends watch it with me. With a very attractive young Channing Tatum playing one of the main characters, Duke, how could you not immediately run to Hulu and turn this movie on? Swoon. Growing up with older sisters, I started watching this movie straight from birth–Channing Tatum became my celebrity crush when I was four. Not only did I start watching this movie when I was born, but I was in the womb when my mom took my sister to meet the cast after the release (I never got to meet him, but at least we were in the same mall together).
If you aren’t already planning to watch this movie after that, here's a quick summary that may spark some interest. The movie–based on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”-- follows a girl, Viola, who pretends to be her brother, Sebastian, in order to play high school soccer after her team is cut. She falls in love with her roommate, Duke, who likes a different girl, Olivia, who likes Sebastian--who is actually Viola. If that was difficult to comprehend, go check out the movie!
I will admit, I wouldn’t rank “She’s the Man” among some movie classics, but it’s not meant to be. Instead, this movie is filled with awkward scenarios that will make you cringe from the other side of the TV as well as some questionable acting and script decisions. Also, like many coming-of-age movies in the 2000s, every character looks like they are out of college and definitely not 17.
“My favorite scene is when Olivia flirts with Duke in the gym to make Sebastian jealous,” Lyla Rodriguez, 9, said.
This scene is a perfect example of “She’s the Man’s” cringiness.
Sure this movie is only ranked 44 percent on Rotten Tomatoes for its “broad slapstick, predictable jokes, and unconvincing plotline,” but these critics aren’t looking at a very important factor: comfort. This movie is meant to provide a laugh–even if it’s predictable. Whenever I’m in a funk, I turn on “She’s the Man” and allow myself to be soothed by its familiarity: it’s the best-lighthearted comfort movie. I wish you could see the smile on my face just thinking about it.
“10 Things I Hate About You”
While rewatching this movie never gets old, I wish I could experience watching it for the first time again. Based on Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew”--following more disappointing female stereotypes of that time period–”10 Things I Hate About You” is an absolute masterpiece depicting high school cliques and stereotypes. Watching Heath Ledger’s character, Patrick, try to win over independent Kat Stratford, played by Julia Stiles, will win over any person’s heart and make them wish they could fall in love with someone like Patrick. Singing Frankie Valli on the stadium stairs to buying her the guitar she always practices with at the music store are just a few monumental acts Patrick has done for Kat.
Not only will the romance take you for a whirl, but the movie itself--from filming to casting--will leave you wanting to rewind and start the movie over right after you watch it. Each scene is paired perfectly with a musical counterpart: “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts blares from Kat’s car stereo as the movie's opening credits begin, perfectly summing up Kat’s character. Some other great pairings are “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G. as Kat dances on a table at a party and the classic final scene as “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick plays into the end credits--they have the same feel as “The Breakfast Club’s” famous final scene with “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds. Now, every time I hear these songs, I immediately think of “10 Things I Hate About You” and want to go home, pop some popcorn, and turn it on.
While these two movies have very different filming styles, moods, and themes, they are both must-watches that will leave you wanting to rewind and watch it again. What’s the one thing they have in common? You can thank Shakespeare for being the initial mastermind.