eparis2
Joined Mar 2011
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Ratings52
eparis2's rating
Reviews52
eparis2's rating
The reality of Schaefer's Tempest is so much less than its possibilities that it seems more tragedy than romance. Running time is seventy-six minutes, which means more slashing rather than cutting. For instance, the first scene is replaced with narration, the masque of the goddesses is gone, and Prospero's speech from 4.1 that begins "Our revels now are ended" is transplanted to the end of the play, where it replaces the epilogue.
The costumes are eclectic, with Ferdinand in an embarrassingly skimpy gladiatorial outfit.
On the other hand, the best actors in the film, Richard Burton as Caliban and Roddy McDowall as Ariel, are so completely covered either by fabric or makeup that their facial expressions are largely concealed. Still, their voices are memorable, and Lee Remick makes a beautiful and effective Miranda.
Maurice Evans as Prospero is disappointing. He ranges from underplaying to posturing, only occasionally getting the truly magical verse right.
The costumes are eclectic, with Ferdinand in an embarrassingly skimpy gladiatorial outfit.
On the other hand, the best actors in the film, Richard Burton as Caliban and Roddy McDowall as Ariel, are so completely covered either by fabric or makeup that their facial expressions are largely concealed. Still, their voices are memorable, and Lee Remick makes a beautiful and effective Miranda.
Maurice Evans as Prospero is disappointing. He ranges from underplaying to posturing, only occasionally getting the truly magical verse right.
If there were a superb version of The Tempest, it would be possible to discard this production entirely. Until that time, the Bard has enough strengths to make it worth watching.
The filming on a stage set is well handled, and the traditional strips of fabric that serve as waves and other such stage devices make the bare boards seem more natural.
John Serry's music is good enough to notice and enjoy even in the midst of the play.
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Is an enthusiastic Prospero whose performance often makes up in sincerity what he lacks in ability to read poetry. He certainly looks the part and frequently seems magical enough to be believable. He successfully projects both benevolence and hope.
J. E. Taylor is an attractive Miranda who is excellent except when she weeps.
William Hootkins as Caliban and Ron Palillo as Trinculo give effective if standard performances.
The worst acting comes from Nicholas Hammond (70s television's Spiderman). In this ostentatiously American film, Hammond is hampered by a British accent that would be more appropriate for Gilbert and Sullivan.
The filming on a stage set is well handled, and the traditional strips of fabric that serve as waves and other such stage devices make the bare boards seem more natural.
John Serry's music is good enough to notice and enjoy even in the midst of the play.
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Is an enthusiastic Prospero whose performance often makes up in sincerity what he lacks in ability to read poetry. He certainly looks the part and frequently seems magical enough to be believable. He successfully projects both benevolence and hope.
J. E. Taylor is an attractive Miranda who is excellent except when she weeps.
William Hootkins as Caliban and Ron Palillo as Trinculo give effective if standard performances.
The worst acting comes from Nicholas Hammond (70s television's Spiderman). In this ostentatiously American film, Hammond is hampered by a British accent that would be more appropriate for Gilbert and Sullivan.
