Twelfth Night (1998)

Twelfth Night Poster

Ah, summer! School is out, work slows down and passions heat up in the warm summer air. Theatrically speaking, it's the perfect time for a sexy comedy where no one is what, or who, they seem and life is full of romantic possibilities. In other words, the perfect time for William Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT, or 'What You Will—’ which Lincoln Center Theater presented in the summer of 1998 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.

Film Overview
"Twelfth Night" is a British film released in 1998, based upon the Shakespearean play of the exact same name. Directed by Trevor Nunn and produced by David Parfitt, the motion picture features an ensemble cast consisting of Helena Bonham Carter, Richard E. Grant, Imogen Stubbs, Ben Kingsley, and Nigel Hawthorne. The movie, like the play, is a funny that fixates themes of incorrect identity, love, and deceptiveness.

Plot Summary
The film begins with a shipwreck during a storm at sea. Viola (Imogen Stubbs) and her twin brother Sebastian (Steven Mackintosh) are separated, each fearing the other dead. Viola, nevertheless, is washed ashore in Illyria and with the help of a captain (Nicholas Farrell), disguises herself as a man, Cesario, and begins working for the Duke Orsino (Toby Stephens).

Duke Orsino is madly in love with the Countess Olivia (Helena Bonham Carter), who is grieving the death of her sibling and has actually sworn to remain single for seven years. The Duke, using Viola/Cesario as a messenger, tries to proclaim his love for Olivia. On the other hand, Viola falls for the Duke while Olivia falls in love with Viola/Cesario, producing a love triangle.

Subplots and Characterization
Parallel to the main storyline are subplots involving Olivia's home, particularly the fool Feste (Ben Kingsley), Olivia's uncle Sir Toby Belch (Mel Smith), and his pal Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Richard E. Grant). They take part in tricks and festivity, particularly targeting Malvolio (Nigel Hawthorne), Olivia's steward. A comic highlight is when they trick Malvolio into thinking that Olivia enjoys him, leading to a renowned scene where he wears yellow cross-garters and smiles profusely, against his typical stern and extreme nature.

Conclusion
Just when the confusion reaches its peak, the real Sebastian gets here and is surprisingly proposed to by Olivia, who mistakes him for Cesario (Viola). Eventually, all misunderstandings are cleared when Viola and Sebastian come face-to-face proving their different identities. Duke Orsino, realizing his affection for Viola, proposes to her while maintaining Olivia's honor by allowing her marriage to Sebastian. The trick's results on Malvolio are exposed, provoking some procedure of sympathy for him as he leaves, swearing vengeance on them all.

Twelfth Night's Film Adaptation
The movie properly catches the essence of the original Shakespearean play while making some minor changes. The director's decision to, for instance, move the setting to the 19th century has been applauded for adding a sense of freshness and novelty to the piece. The efficiency of the cast, especially Helena Bonham Carter and Ben Kingsley, was well gotten. The film, though not a blockbuster, was warmly recommended for its devoted portrayal of Shakespearean funny. In 1998, it was chosen for a number of awards, consisting of the BAFTA for Best Costume Design.

In conclusion, "Twelfth Night" is a deft adjustment that faithfully and engagingly brings to life one of Shakespeare's the majority of beloved funnies, strengthening styles of love, mistake, and comic confusion, while likewise including a dash of cinematic imagination to improve the audience's experience.

Top Cast

  • Paul Rudd (small)
    Paul Rudd
    Orsino Duc d'Illyria
  • Helen Hunt (small)
    Helen Hunt
    Viola & Cesario
  • Kyra Sedgwick (small)
    Kyra Sedgwick
    Olivia
  • Philip Bosco (small)
    Philip Bosco
    Malvolio
  • David Patrick Kelly (small)
    David Patrick Kelly
    Feste
  • Brian Murray (small)
    Brian Murray
    Sir Toby Belch
  • Daniel Sunjata (small)
    Daniel Sunjata
    Valentine
  • Skipp Sudduth (small)
    Skipp Sudduth
    Fabian
  • Kevin Daniels (small)
    Kevin Daniels
    Officer/Lord
  • Jack Davidson
    Priest
  • Amy Hill (small)
    Amy Hill
    Maria