Watch The Tempest

The Tempest is a 1979 film adaptation of William Shakespeare's play of the same name, directed by Derek Jarman. The film takes liberties with the original play, interweaving Elizabethan language with visual storytelling to create a unique cinematic experience. The movie, starring Peter Bull, David Meyer, and Neil Cunningham, among others, is a British drama that captures the powerful themes of magic, betrayal, love, and forgiveness.

The film begins by thrusting the viewer into the magical world of Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan. Through the course of Shakespeare's narrative, we learn that Prospero has been usurped from his position by his treacherous brother, Antonio, with the tacit support of Alonso, the King of Naples. Forced to flee, Prospero and his daughter Miranda have spent years marooned on a remote and mystical island. Peter Bull takes on the role of the enigmatic Prospero who has mastered the arts of magic during his exile.

On the island, Prospero has two companions: Ariel, a spirit of the air, and Caliban, the son of the deceased witch Sycorax and the rightful ruler of the island. Prospero, with his magical prowess, has enslaved both entities, bending them to his will. David Meyer plays Ariel with a whimsical yet complex persona, while Neil Cunningham's performance as Caliban is profoundly primal and emotionally charged. Each of these characters has their own narrative arc and plays a crucial role in Prospero’s quest for reconciliation and restoration.

The story proceeds to the heart of its plot when Prospero, using his powerful magic, conjures up a storm—a tempest—that shipwrecks his former adversaries, including his brother Antonio and King Alonso, along with other nobles, onto the island. The tempest is not just a physical storm but also serves as a metaphor for the tumultuous emotions and conflicts that arise as the characters confront one another as well as their own selves amidst the island's fantastical happenings.

What follows is a series of encounters and plotlines interwoven together in a rich tapestry that Jarman translates from stage to screen. The film explores a complex interplay between various themes, such as power dynamics between characters and their desire for retribution or reconciliation. As the various nobles and shipwreck survivors explore the island, they come across its magical inhabitants and endure trials that test their character and intentions.

In one thread, there's the blossoming romance between Miranda, Prospero's pure and naive daughter, and Ferdinand, the son of King Alonso, who believes he is the sole survivor of the wreck. Their innocent love affair provides a stark contrast to the backdrop of scheming and treacherous plots initiated by other characters in the story.

Meanwhile, the comic relief is offered by the fantastical and drunken antics of Trinculo and Stephano, two of the ship's survivors who encounter Caliban and plot to overthrow Prospero. Their subplot provides a satirical look at the notions of power and ambition, showing the absurdity and danger of foolhardy brashness.

The Tempest is visually striking, with Jarman's directorial flair bringing out a distinctive style that suits the surreal and ethereal nature of the story. The film deviates from the traditional Elizabethan setting, and Jarman makes bold aesthetic choices, including unconventional costuming and set designs that blend elements of the past with a timeless quality. The cinematography is characterized by its use of color, light, and shadow, creating an otherworldly look that contributes to the mystical atmosphere of the island.

Jarman’s rendition of the play is atmospheric and poetic, often prioritizing imagery and mood over linear storytelling. The director's approach to Shakespeare's work is not one of strict adherence to the text, but rather a transformative interpretation that seeks to express the play's essence in the cinematic form. The film's soundscape, too, is carefully crafted, with ethereal music and sound effects enhancing the magical quality of the island and its happenings.

The performances in The Tempest are a blend of theatricality with the intimacy of film acting. Peter Bull’s portrayal of Prospero is multifaceted, capturing his wrath and benevolence alike, as he maneuvers through his plan for reconciliation and justice. Each character brings depth to their roles, navigating Shakespeare's complex language and bringing life to the Bard's timeless words.

Ultimately, The Tempest is a distinctive artistic rendition of Shakespeare’s play that explores the fundamental themes of human nature. The film serves as an exploration into the realms of revenge and mercy, the corrupting influences of power, and the redeeming power of love. It is an evocative piece that invites its audience to experience the full gamut of human emotions, entwined with a sense of magic and the supernatural, making it a memorable and thought-provoking adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most enigmatic works.

The Tempest is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.