Love's Labour's Lost

Starring Kenneth Branagh, Nathan Lane, Adrian Lester, Matthew Lillard, Natascha McElhone, Alessandro Nivola, Alicia Silverstone, Timothy Spall

Directed by Kenneth Branagh

Score by Patrick Doyle

Yes, this is Shakespeare's play of the same name. However, the action has been brought forward to 1939. Also, the action is heavily interspersed with famous songs from musicals of the thirties and forties.

Does this work? Well, yes and no.

Here's the plot. The King of Navarre and three nobles have sworn to seclude themselves for three years to devote themselves to study and self-improvement. They are secluded from women, among other things. But a French Princess and three companions show up in no time at all. Things develop from there.

This is much the same universe as many thirties musicals, and the musical numbers form a kind of commentary on the action and fit in very well. They are also extremely well performed. As a dancer, Adrian Lester can hold his own with any of the luminaries from the thirties and forties. It would be nice to see him starring in an appropriate vehicle.

Shakespeare's tragedies generally withstand translation to the screen rather well. However, the jokes, allusions, and slang of his comedies are largely lost on modern audiences. How many moviegoers would understand what a 'guerdon' is (it means 'reward', in case you're wondering). But if you had seen the movie not knowing the word, you would have been totally unable to follow what should have been some very funny lines brilliantly delivered by Nathan Lane.

Perhaps the makers of the movie were so familiar with Shakespeare that they didn't notice the linguistic barrier. But in any case the dialogue should have been modernized.

It is refreshing to know that films like this can be made and distributed. The film was clearly, one might say, a labour of love. The concept is executed extremely well. The film's strengths and eccentricities suggest that it won't be forgotten, and in fact may attract a cult following.

The soundtrack CD can be enthusiastically recommended. A beautiful score by Patrick Doyle, with lively performances of the classic songs. The stars did their own singing.

About the DVD

Image and sound are very good. There is a slight cropping of both extremities of the 2.35:1 image, but this is only noticeable in the opening titles.

Deleted scenes are included: it is clear why they were deleted. Song-and-dance movies offer many opportunities for flubs: the pleasant result is some very funny outtakes.

The making-of featurette is more PR than substance, but is worth having.

Internet Movie Database link

http://us.imdb.com/Title?0182295