Shakespeare Film Series: Friday, Jan. 12

Richard III: 2:30 - 4:30 p.m

In this 1995 adaptation, starring Ian McKellen in the titular role, medieval Scotland is swapped for 1930s England in this stylish and captivating film. With supporting performances from Robert Downey Jr. and Annette Benning, this film does a commendable job at translating a complicated play into a different era.

My Own Private Idaho: 4:30-6:00 p.m

Released in 1991, Gus Van Sant’s classic coming of age story is based around Shakespeare’s history plays Henry IV, Part I, Henry IV, Part II, and Henry V. Starring River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, My Own Private Idaho is widely considered to be a landmark film in the evolution of LGBTQ cinema. This film explores mature themes and is rated R.

Titus: 6:00-8:00 p.m

Adapted from Shakespeare’s play Titus Andronicus, this 1999 film stars Anthony Hopkins in the title role as a roman general, depicting his tragic fall from power and influence. Titus also stars Jessica Lange as Tamora, the defeated Queen of the Goths, alongside Alan Cumming as Saturninus, the newly crowned Roman Emperor. 

Date: January 12, 2024

Time:  2:30pm to 8:00pm

Location: Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Avenue,Southport, CT 06890

Saturday: Jan. 13

Shakespeare Wallah: 2:00-4:00 p.m

Shakespeare Wallah, produced in 1965 by Merchant Ivory Productions, tells the story of a traveling band of Shakespearean actors throughout the heartland of India. Based on the true story of Geoffrey Kendel and his family, this film depicts the color and flavor of postcolonial India, highlighting the impact and influence of Shakespearean drama.

Romeo and Juliet: 4:00-6:00 p.m

In 1967, filmmaker and opera-director Franco Zeffirelli embarked on a near-impossible quest– a faithful, accurate adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays– Romeo and Juliet. On location in Italy, actors roughly the same age as the characters in the original source material filmed in palaces and hill-top villages. Considered the best film version of Romeo and Juliet, this is a movie not to miss. Recommended for ages 14+.

All is True: 6:00-8:00 p.m

Breaking from the other films featured in this series, Sir Kenneth Branagh’s All is True depicts the final years of the Bard’s life. Exploring his complicated relationship with his family, the film depicts Shakspeare as a flesh-and-blood man, capable of making mistakes, as well as reflecting on his past. With supporting performances by Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellan, All is True caps off the Library’s festival with a glimpse into an impossible life. Recommended for ages 14+

Date: January 13, 2024

Time:  2:00pm to 8:00pm

Location: Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Avenue,Southport, CT 06890

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