Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night

Movie spotlight

Twelfth Night

1955
Movie
90 min
Russian

Shakespeare's comedy of gender confusion, in which a girl disguises herself as a man to be near the count she adores, only to be pursued by the woman he loves.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Peter BrookGenres: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy

Plot Summary

This lavish production of Shakespeare's comedy of mistaken identity follows the tale of Viola, who, after being shipwrecked, disguises herself as a man named Cesario to serve Duke Orsino. Her service leads to a tangled web of love triangles and playful deceptions in the land of Illyria. The story unfolds with witty banter, cross-dressing hijinks, and eventual resolutions of romantic entanglements.

Critical Reception

The 1955 film adaptation of 'Twelfth Night' by Peter Brook was noted for its ambition in translating the stage play to screen, often praised for its visual richness and strong performances, particularly from its theatrical cast. However, some critics found the transition to film somewhat theatrical and less dynamic than other Shakespearean adaptations of the era. Audience reception was generally positive, appreciating the accessible interpretation of the classic comedy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning visual design and faithful adaptation of the play's comedic spirit.

  • Lauded for strong performances from a cast with significant stage experience.

  • Some found the film's pacing and theatricality to be a slight drawback on screen.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1955 film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

This film version of 'Twelfth Night' was shot in Yugoslavia, and the elaborate costumes were designed by the renowned Cecil Beaton.

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