Coming off the Beatles ode Across The Universe, director Julie Taymor is taking on Shakespeare with her latest extravagant epic, The Tempest. Premiering to not-so-great reviews at the Venice and New York Film Festival, this definitely looks insane in a not-so-great way. This adaptation of “Shakespeare’s mystical thriller” stars Helen Mirren, Russell Brand, Alfred Molina, Djimon Hounsou, David Strathairn, Chris Cooper, Alan Cumming, Ben Whishaw, Reeve Carney, Felicity Jones and Tom Conti. You can check out the trailer featuring Sigur Ros beow via Apple.
Synopsis: In her big-screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s mystical thriller “The Tempest,” Academy Award(R)-nominated Julie Taymor (“Across the Universe,” “Frida,” “Titus”) brings an original dynamic to the story by changing the gender of the sorcerer Prospero into the sorceress Prospera, portrayed by Oscar(R) winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”). Prospera’s journey spirals through vengeance to forgiveness as she reigns over a magical island, cares for her young daughter, Miranda, and unleashes her powers against shipwrecked enemies in this exciting, masterly mix of romance, tragicomedy and the supernatural.
The Tempest hits theaters December 10th, 2010.
Did you like Across The Universe? Will you check this out?