Twelfth Night details
| Format: | U DVD |
|---|---|
| Starring: | Richard Briers, Caroline Langrishe |
| Director: | Kenneth Branagh |
| Genre: | Drama - Comedy |
| Studio: | FREMANTLE HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Name | Discs | |
|---|---|---|
Twelfth Night |
U Feature |
DVD Information
| Run time: | 2 hours 36 minutes |
|---|---|
| Rental release: | 24 May 2004 |
| Main languages: | English |
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Most helpful review
Delightful.
By nibor (62 reviews) from London , 02 May 2005[Highly rated reviewer]
Having found the Helena Bonham Carter/Imogen Stubbs version so disappointing I was delighted to really enjoy this version with Frances Barber, Caroline Langrishe and Richard Briers. To start with the play was performed more or less complete, and the diction of the actors was excellent. The comedy seemed, as it should, to arise directly out of the action, and in spite of the electric lights on the Christmas tree ( I think the play was set some time in the mid 18th century, judging by the clothes) the production was convincing. Nobody really expects Viola and Sebastian to look alike (remember that in Shakespeares time all female parts were played by boys anyway!) - one can easily adopt what Wordsworth described as "The willing suspension of disbelief." A splendid version.- Was this review helpful to you?
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All reviews
(8)Quite Satisfying
By Seedyvee (183 reviews) from Grantham , 24 Oct 2010What amazingly subconcious foresight of Shakespeare to set these comedies almost independent of specific times and age, with humour and pathos that has such an everlasting appeal. This play seems to have a perfect plot and the ends are tied up wonderfully. Brannagh's production here is set nominally in the 19th century and is reasonably well executed. The likenesses of Viola and Sebastien are well matched and the diction and tone of Caroline Langrishe is quite ravishing. One reservation I had was the music which rather jangled anachronistically with its contemporary style and crooned style of singing.- Was this review helpful to you?
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A Bit Stiff
By a customer from Edinburgh , 24 Jan 2010I thought all the actors played relatively well especially Olivia and Malvolio but i found the set disappointing as it was all white, showing no festive 'Twelfth Night colours'. Also when the actors were not speaking they seemed to turn to stone :[. The first scene was one of the best definitely. I also found the clown sarcastic and pessimistic after seeing the play live in Stratford where the clown was jolly and the life of the party.
It's only my opinion so let it throw you off. :)- Was this review helpful to you?
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Shakespeare without tears !!!
By a customer from London , 02 Oct 2008This is not actually very filmic, it is more a filmed stage production but very enjoyable none the less. Like most KB Shakespeare stage productions it is lengthy as he seem to always want to be faithful to the word and doesn't cut.
However, this cast which is excellent makes the text totally accessible.
I actually loved the simplistic 'sets' and found this a much more enjoyable than the action packed Trevor Nunn version of the play which was made in 1996.- Was this review helpful to you?
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disappointing
By a customer from london , 18 Nov 2006I was disappointed by Kenneth Branagh's Twelfth Night. The set, a collection of frosty looking pillars under a bleak grey skey, made no sense; the performances were very mixed. Olivia, played by Caroline Langrishe, in particular was miscast and wooden. Frances Barber as Viola and Anton Lesser as Feste were excellent as they always are - but the direction made even them seem stilted and Feste's famous songs were massacred by dreadful music. Richard Briers' Malvolio The whole thing seemed very limp.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Disappointing adaptation
By a customer from London, England , 18 Oct 2005It's a filming of a play, rather than a production intended for either film or television. Only there's no audience or auditorium, so it's all rather hollow.
The action all happens on one set that is blatantly made of wood and belongs in a theatre. The shots last too long, and there is far too much straight-to-camera dialogue.
While there are some nice ideas in the staging and props (eg the Christmas tree for Malvolio's letter), the text has not been properly cut to suit the audience or setting. When even the actors' eyes are glazing over, it's time to make some changes.
Richard Briers is as lacking in charisma as ever, giving a thoroughly traditional and straightforward reading of the part of Malvolio. The false mutton chops and stupid expression do not add anything.
Sir Andrew was surprisingly good, managing to convey the character and find the humour without being silly.
All in all, sitting through the whole thing is a tedious and unrewarding experience. The Trevor Nunn film is superior in every way.- Was this review helpful to you?
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