Video - General Reference
Dangerous Liaisons "Not in our historical period, but it will definitely give you good ideas about plotting and character work."
Flesh and Blood "(re-released on video as "The Sword and The Rose"). Rutger Hauer and a bunch of Italian mercenary soldiers. Very real, very accurate, not very pretty in spots. Sex, violence, rape, pillaging, mayhem, treachery, quack doctors, and a good bout of plague. Not bedtime viewing, but a good depiction for the military characters of what their nasty, brutish short lives would have been like."
Hamlet "Lots of versions. Olivier's is breathtaking acting, although the sets and costumes need some help. Mel Gibson's is good all around, and surprising that Mel can do the unhappy prince with such depth. Kenneth Branagh set his version in 19th century Russia, but the language and emotion are still there, and you can enjoy looking at the costumes, but you can't wear them."
Much Ado about Nothing "Kenneth Branagh does Shakespeare, and does it well, although he jumps the action forward a few centuries. Ignore the costumes, enjoy the scenery (actually shot in Tuscany) and the dialogue."
Othello "Olivier again acts superbly, but his make-up is distracting. Branagh's version is stunning. The story is still depressing, no matter how well acted or beautifully realized.."
Queen Margot "Great costumes, good depiction of castle life. Plays fast and loose with history, so don't rely on it chapter and verse. Read the book first (which takes a number of liberties itself), and the movie will make much more sense."
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead ""Hamlet" as told through the eyes of the two most inconsequential characters - Hamlet's friends from school. Funny, occasionally just weird. Lots of fun little gig ideas."
Taming of the Shrew "Taylor and Burton. (And don't ask Taylor and Burton who?!) Great costumes, sets, very real, albeit a tiny bit early. Still, make those hats, and you'll be remembered wherever you go"
The Lion in Winter "Katharine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole play Elinor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England in a smashing movie - the classic dysfunctional family does Christmas. Brilliant acting, great insults, intrigue and counter-intrigue. I love this movie! The costumes are good, although they are way too early and the wrong country for us. But lots of good insults, quick repartee, fabulous acting, and key lessons in how to play politics - and live."