Twelfth Night

'Twelfth Night' is a 1980 film adaptation of the classic Shakespearean comedy of the same name. Directed by John Gorrie, this magnificent production perfectly captures the essence of romantic comedy, typical of Shakespearean theater, while incorporating a modern touch that resonates with contemporary audiences. The film starred renowned actors Alec McCowen who plays the role of Malvolio, Felicity Kendal as Viola/Cesario, and Robert Hardy as Sir Toby Belch, each delivering riveting performances that brim with a blend of comedy, confusion, and classic dramatic tension.

Set in the mythical land of Illyria, the film opens with the aftermath of a shipwreck, where Viola, portrayed by Felicity Kendal, is washed ashore. Mistakenly assuming that her twin brother Sebastian is dead, she decides to disguise herself as a man, Cesario, in order to stand a chance of survival in this strange land. This classical case of mistaken identity sets the stage for a wonderfully complex and hilarious journey that forms the crux of this Shakespearean comedy.

Kendal's portrayal of Viola/Cesario is both masterful and engaging. She brings a level of wit and charm to her character that beautifully captures the subtleties inherent in the role. The performance adeptly demonstrates the constant tension Viola feels as she navigates through her experiences, pretending to be Cesario while silently being in love with Duke Orsino.

Alec McCowen offers an amazing performance as Malvolio, the pretentious steward to Lady Olivia. McCowen presents this character with a convincing pomposity and self-righteous aire, providing the lion's share of comic relief in this lively comedy. The delivery of his dialogue packs an impressively comedic punch, illuminating the poetic genius of Shakespeare’s prose in a contemporary light.

Speaking of Sir Toby Belch, Robert Hardy does an excellent job bringing this humorous and lovable character to life. His portrait of Sir Toby, with all his drunken revelry and mischief, adds to the chaos and hilarity that drive the plot forward.

The supporting characters - Annette Crosbie as Maria, Sinéad Cusack as Olivia, and Trevor Peacock as Feste - strengthen the narrative with their exceptional performances. Each character, with their unique eccentricities and quirks, is brought to life in a manner that showcases the fine details of each role and their relevance to the storyline.

What strikes viewers in this production of 'Twelfth Night' is not just the impressive performances from the cast, but the attention to detail shown by director John Gorrie in interpreting the complexity of the Shakespearean era and its literature. The script remains true to its original form, retaining the complex, poetic language of Shakespeare's work that demands rigorous attention from its audience.

Gorrie's direction combines a perfect balance between raw emotional depths and laugh-out-loud situations that keep the audience engaged from beginning to end. The film manages to capture the spirit of Shakespeare's play, infusing it with a sense of realism and grounding it in a production that is both accessible and bewitching.

Moreover, the film's design is eye-catching, recreating the Elizabethan era's magnificence right down to the minutest detail. The costumes, locations, and set designs are true to the period, adding authenticity to the story and characters. At the same time, the cinematography and editing complement the narrative's pace and timing, bringing forth a visually appealing spectacle that enhances the film's overall appeal.

In essence, 'Twelfth Night' is a craftily executed film that brings one of Shakespeare's most reverberating comedies to life — a tale of mistaken identities, love triangles, and mischievous scenarios all set within a 16th century aesthetic. For fans of Shakespeare and ardent admirers of classic literature, this film offers a brilliant rendition of timeless humor and drama that beautifully encapsulates the unique charm of the Bard of Avon's wittiest works. Whether one is a seasoned admirer of Shakespeare or a first-time voyager in his plays, 'Twelfth Night' serves as a convincing reminder of his genius as a comedic playwright.