As anyone who has seen Julie Taymor’s excellent “Titus” already knows, nobody does Shakespeare with as much panache and the “The Tempest” is shaping up to be no exception. As early stills have hinted at, Taymor’s latest will certainly deliver the stylized visuals the director has become known for and the poster for the film now puts that notion over the top. With flames, sunbaked skin, crows and a totally fierce looking Helen Mirren we can’t remember the latest the words “Shakespeare” and “movie” got us excited.
Shot in Hawaii, the film follows Helen Mirren’s Prospera, a woman scorned after being unjustly usurped and exiled by the brother of her deceased husband so he can claim her title. The film also boasts a helluva supporting crew of actors including David Strathairn, Djimon Hounsou, Reeve Carney, Alan Cumming, Alfred Molina, Chris Cooper, Felicity Jones, Ben Whishaw and Russell Brand.
After much post-Miramax limbo and drama, the film will be released by Touchstone Pictures, with an awards season friendly December 10th release date. Those of you lucky enough to be at the Venice or New York Film Festival will be able to see the film before the rest of us. [Bleeding Cool]