Bard's intense passion recreated in 'Shakespeare'

Ingenious words of poetry only bolster a love story. That's why screenwriters Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard struck harmonious chords of passion and intensity in the latest triumphant romantic comedy, "Shakespeare in Love."

Based upon evidence that playwright William Shakespeare may have been inspired by a lover to write "Romeo and Juliet," this film succeeds enormously on many levels through wit and romance.

Set in London in 1593, young Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) struggles to cope with "writer's block," ambling through the first few stanzas of a play with a not-so-catchy title, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter." While Shakespeare is the master of poetry, we learn, at least in this film, that he receives plot suggestions from others with eager willingness. Neverthe-less, his draught in writing is overcome when he finds his muse, Lady Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow). She disguises herself as a male player in order to fulfill her dream of performing poetry and expose herself to those geniuses who emotionally inspire her within herself. Will is this person, the object of her affection, and Viola and Will strive through all obstacles to maint

Courtesy of Miramax Films Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes share a romantic moment in "Shakespeare in Love."

ain their connection with one another.

What works so well with this film is that Shakespeare emits raw spontaneity and inspiration through his character, from moments when he dashes towards his quill and stool to begin scribbling away, to his lengthy yet persistent runs through the streets of London in search of Viola. Soon all of his instinctual desires are translated into passion and poetry in the love encounters with Viola, which are masterfully imbued with the fondness of poetry and the desire for one another.

Not only does "Shakespeare in Love" produce such unadulterated fervor, but it also boasts strong acting from a unique cast. Geoffrey Rush is comical as an anxiety-ridden liaison between the owners of the theaters and the writers whose plays are performed there. As usual, Ben Affleck plays the egotistical character, only managing (unknowingly) to snag just a minor role in Will's play as Mercutio. Colin First, as Viola's undesirable fiance Lord Wessex, and Tom Wilkinson, as a stuttering, blundering financier, are equally masterful.

Though few and far between, the sparse bits of dialogue from Judi Dench's role as the Queen are enough to undoubtedly allow her to wear the crown for the best performance in "Shakespeare in Love."

The Queen seals the fate of Will and Viola through psychological intuition and judiciousness. She affirms the love not only between Will and Viola but also through her revelation of the existence of emotion in stage dramas, which were otherwise known to be thought of as merely comical exhibitions.

While the film isn't to be hailed for its historical accuracy (Viola is to sail to Virginia to live on a tobacco plantation, but in 1593 there is no Virginia yet), it is certainly accented through through wonderful costuming. Shakespeare, a poor playwright, dons the same shabby old leather jacket throughout the film. The wealthy Viola, on the other hand wears luxurious clothing that stands out yet isn't ostentatious enough to detract from her beauty.

Director of the equally smart film, "Her Majesty Mrs. Brown," John Madden II has succeeded again in transposing an antiquated story into a highly entertaining spectacle.

01-11-99