I have never felt that Shakespeare transfers very well to film. It comes across as too staged and melodramatic. Well, I will give credit to this film, that of all the adaptations I've seen, this one does the best it can with the material.
I think they did a fine job of casting. All the players are fairly convincing in their interpretations. But again, I don't think anyone can overcome the "staginess" of the material. Everything sounds recited. And true to the play, the actors often appear statue like in their body posturing. I think all the men must have been required to stand with their left arm grasping their sash at chest height, and their right arm hanging at their side. It just all looked so stiff and staged. But alas, that is Shakespeare.
I do have to say that Brando's delivery of Marc Anthony's fiery speech after Ceasar's death was amazing. He can emote like no else I know.
If you want to SEE Shakespeare (I prefer to READ it), then by all means, go see a play. Don't waste your time on film adaptations.
I think they did a fine job of casting. All the players are fairly convincing in their interpretations. But again, I don't think anyone can overcome the "staginess" of the material. Everything sounds recited. And true to the play, the actors often appear statue like in their body posturing. I think all the men must have been required to stand with their left arm grasping their sash at chest height, and their right arm hanging at their side. It just all looked so stiff and staged. But alas, that is Shakespeare.
I do have to say that Brando's delivery of Marc Anthony's fiery speech after Ceasar's death was amazing. He can emote like no else I know.
If you want to SEE Shakespeare (I prefer to READ it), then by all means, go see a play. Don't waste your time on film adaptations.