5 films you didn’t know were inspired by Shakespeare
Hands up who had to study Shakespeare in high school English class? You may have had to sit through some B grade telemovie versions of the classic novels during your teen years, but many have actually been re-written as blockbuster films. See how many of these you knew were based on Shakespeare’s plays.
1. 10 Things I Hate About You – ‘The Taming Of The Shrew’
It might be an obvious one if you know the play, but in the modern film Heath Ledger is paid to take the highly strung Julia Styles to the prom so that his friend can date her younger sister.
2. The Lion King – ‘Hamlet’
An evil uncle kills the king and usurps the throne – yes, that’s right, it’s Shakespeare for kids (with lions). If you already knew this one, did you know this – Simba’s pals Timon and Pumbaa are based on Hamlet’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The good news is, the film ends on a happy note and there is a lot less bloodshed.
3. Forbidden Planet – ‘The Tempest’
Considered one of Shakespeare’s finest works, The Tempest is all about the supernatural, while Forbidden Planet is more a sci-fi style. But while there were no lasers, aliens or robots in the original, it’s the themes and stories in the film where you can see the similarities. Swap a group of sailors for a space crew and it’s very much the same.
4. She’s The Man – ‘Twelfth Night’
This time the main characters (and many others) even have the same name (and the same predicament - love). Shakespeare’s story begins on a shipwreck where Viola decides to disguise herself as her twin brother, while in the film Viola dresses as her twin brother in order to play on the boys’ soccer team. In both stories she falls in love and has to deal with the fallout of her betrayal.
5. West Side Story – ‘Romeo and Juliet’
While Shakespeare didn’t have any catchy numbers in his play, he did have young lovers from rival gangs whose relationship led to tragedy. Interestingly, the modern version of Romeo and Juliet did rely heavily on the music to support the story. Essentially though, you can’t beat forbidden love for a rollicking good show.
Images: Getty