While not as memorable or iconic as his Romeo and Juliet (1968), Zeffirelli's The Taming of the Shrew (1967) is a delightful and vivid imagining of one of Shakespeare's most infamous plays.
Like the 1968 R&J, Taming is set in Italy, but in terms of atmosphere, the two could not be more different. This production feels more earthy with its muddy streets and overdressed characters, unlike the later film, which feels romantic and almost ethereal. This approach works best for such a bawdy, vulgar comedy, filled with witty repartee, innuendo, and slapstick.
Richard Burton is oafish, rambunctious, and a little sexy as Pertruchio, but it's Elizabeth Taylor who steals the whole film as the titular shrew. Despite never having been involved in a Shakespeare production on stage or in front of a camera, she delivers the verse well and gives Katherina an inner fire which never dies, even after she is supposedly "tamed" by Pertruchio. Her delivery of the controversial speech in the final scene is filled with irony. Though she seems to be extolling a wife's total subservience to her spouse, it's obvious she is only playacting for the public and her marriage will be more equal than Petruchio realizes.
A good adaptation, especially for those who prefer traditionally staged Shakespeare to more modern re-imaginings.
Like the 1968 R&J, Taming is set in Italy, but in terms of atmosphere, the two could not be more different. This production feels more earthy with its muddy streets and overdressed characters, unlike the later film, which feels romantic and almost ethereal. This approach works best for such a bawdy, vulgar comedy, filled with witty repartee, innuendo, and slapstick.
Richard Burton is oafish, rambunctious, and a little sexy as Pertruchio, but it's Elizabeth Taylor who steals the whole film as the titular shrew. Despite never having been involved in a Shakespeare production on stage or in front of a camera, she delivers the verse well and gives Katherina an inner fire which never dies, even after she is supposedly "tamed" by Pertruchio. Her delivery of the controversial speech in the final scene is filled with irony. Though she seems to be extolling a wife's total subservience to her spouse, it's obvious she is only playacting for the public and her marriage will be more equal than Petruchio realizes.
A good adaptation, especially for those who prefer traditionally staged Shakespeare to more modern re-imaginings.