The Taming of the Shrew

Director Franco Zeffirelli's The Taming of the Shrew (1967), starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, is a cinematic adaptation of William Shakespeare’s iconic play of the same name. In this romantic-comedy, we witness exuberant performances from the lead duo, along with noted actor Cyril Cusack, which aids in enhancing the authenticity and charm of Shakespeare's work.

The movie opens in Italy during the Renaissance era, introducing us to two sisters - Katharina, ferociously played by Elizabeth Taylor, and Bianca, portrayed by Natasha Pyne. Both sisters are diametrically different, with Bianca appearing as obedient and soft-spoken, while Katharina is headstrong, aggressive, and disharmonious. Their wealthy father is eager to see his daughters married; however, he decrees that amiable Bianca can only get married after her elder sister Katharina, the real “shrew”, has been wed.

The plot gets interesting when enter Patrizio, a persona vividly brought to life by Richard Burton. His character, a brash fortune-seeker, is presented with this advantageous situation, eventually marrying the fiery and shrewish Katharina for her substantial dowry. What follows this matrimonial alliance is a humourous and sardonic take of a husband's attempt to tame his outspoken, wilful wife into a docile, obedient woman.

Elizabeth Taylor's merit shines throughout the film, presenting a mesmerizing character, volatile and alienating yet strangely poignant. Her Katharina is a combination of fiery spirit and wounded pride. Richard Burton, as Petruchio, matches Taylor's intensity and conjures up a character that is both arrogant and amusing, bringing his signature wit and physicality to the role.

Cyril Cusack delivers an impressive performance, playing the role of 'Grumio', the comical and sometimes bewildered servant of Richard Burton's character. His subtle humor and physical antics add a unique charm to the narrative, successfully offering light-hearted moments throughout the film.

The Taming of the Shrew sizzles with the real-life chemistry between Taylor and Burton, who were undoubtedly one of Hollywood's most celebrated couples at the time. Their onscreen rapport beautifully mirrors the love-hate relationship between Katharina and Petruchio, adding a touch of reality to their reel-life portrayals.

The scriptwriters, Paul Dehn, Suso Cecchi d'Amico, and Franco Zeffirelli, skillfully adapt Shakespeare's sparkling dialogue to the screen, retaining the wit and lyrical beauty of the original text. Despite its Elizabethan English, they have successfully ensured the narrative remains engaging and comprehensible to contemporary audiences.

The intricate details to capture the atmosphere of the Renaissance period are commendable. From the authentic costumes designed by Danilo Donati, to the art direction illustrating rustic Italy, all the creative choices help transport the viewers to the vibrant and colorful period.

Zeffirelli's direction injects the movie with life and passion. Known for his knack of aesthetically translating Shakespeare’s plays onto the screen, he molds this classic tale into a delightful film with a careful blend of drama, farce, and romance. The movie is enhanced by Nino Rota's lively musical score, providing the perfect backdrop to this engaging tale of battle of the sexes.

The Taming of the Shrew is visually striking, memorable, and offers a highly entertaining interpretation of one of Shakespeare's loved comedies. It provides a satirical depiction of social customs and gender relations of its era, packaged with delightful performances, crisp dialogue, and an appealing authenticity. Not just for Shakespeare enthusiasts, the movie captivates the common viewer with its robust storytelling and commendable acting, making it one of the memorable adaptations of Shakespeare’s work.

Overall, the film stands as an enjoyable romantic comedy that humorously explores the dynamics of marriage and the resilience of human spirit, featuring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton at their enchanting best. With a perfect balance of drama, comedy and romance, this vibrant adaptation is a testament to the timeless appeal of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.