Shakespeare on Film

To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death in 2016, ACMI, in association with The University of Melbourne, present an international touring program from the British Council and the British Film Institute (BFI) that explores the deep affinity between cinema and The Bard.  From 14 to 26 July this prestige program showcases a selection of new digital restorations.

The season features 11 films, including three special presentations: Play On! (Silent Shakespeare), a compilation of silent Shakespeare shorts with a newly commissioned score by award-winning young composer Laura Rossi and performed by the Globe musicians, an exclusive on-stage discussion between Ian McKellen and Richard Loncraine recorded at BFI Southbank in April 2016 to follow each screening of the digitally restored Richard III, and a post screening Skype Q&A with Macbeth Director Justin Kurzel on 16 July.

A selection of the films will also be accompanied by introductions from key University of Melbourne faculty and visiting academics including Dr David McInnis the Gerry Higgins Lecturer in Shakespeare Studies, Dr Mark Nicholls from Screen and Cultural Studies, Dr Joe Hughes from English and Theatre Studies, and Dr Miriam Nicholls from Trinity College and more.

With so much high drama, history and romance, it's little wonder that William Shakespeare is credited with more film adaptations that any other writer. His influence of cinema is profound, while cinema has wholly transformed access to his work. The enduring love for Shakespeare in the modern theatre of cinema ranges from Derek Jarman by way of Vincent Price, to Kenneth Branagh. The films in the season range from titles for literary fans (e.g. Henry V, Kenneth Brannagh, 1989) to cult cinephiles (e.g.Theatre of Blood, Douglas Hickox, 1973) and everyone in between.

Read on for details on each film and presentation in the Shakespeare on Film season.