"Suit the action to the word, the word to the action, with this special observance, that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature." ~ Hamlet, III.ii
Here, Hamlet gives direction to his actors - and in this class you'll get to do the same!
In this class, students explore how the world of film has interpreted and adapted some of Shakespeare's classic works. They will become familiar with film terminology and will use it to help them analyze and compare various cinematic interpretations of Shakespeare's plays. Students will read and watch film clips of three Shakespearean plays - Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Macbeth. They will take part in weekly discussions and analysis of texts and cinematic interpretations of the plays, as well as complete a close study of key speeches from Henry V and Hamlet. In doing so, students will explore what the Bard has to offer us today with his words and wisdom.
Throughout the course, students will closely examine verse from the plays to interpret meaning, discuss thematic ideas with their peers, and work collaboratively to analyze and share opinions about film technique and adaptations. At the end of the course, students will imagine themselves into the role of director, making artistic choices to communicate their interpretation of a scene from another of Shakespeare's plays.