Review of Prospero's Books (1991) by A R — 24 Sep 2007

I adore this film. I think that it is the best film adaptation of a Shakespearian text ever filmed, precisely because it works in the same way that watching a play does.. The frame is so filled with so much detail and rich imagery.

.. John Gielgud gives the performance of his career playing three roles. The character of Prospero from the play, himself as an actor playing Prospero, as well as Shakespeare himself writing THE TEMPEST in his own hand.

.. The title comes from a line in the play "knowing I loved my books he did furnish me with volumes from mine own library that I do prize above my dukedom".. Director Peter Greenaway's best work; although to get the films full impact one must see it in a cinema.

The score by Micheal Nyman is a favorite of mine too...