Watch Timon of Athens

After decades of neglect, the classic William Shakespeare play Timon of Athens was finally adapted into a film in 1981. Directed by Jonathan Miller, the movie features an outstanding ensemble cast including John Fortune, John Bird, and Tony Jay. The story follows Timon, a wealthy and generous Athenian who loves to spend his money on lavish gifts for his friends and companions. However, when Timon's fortunes start to dwindle, his supposed friends quickly abandon him, leaving him destitute and alone. Timon's bitterness and desire for revenge lead him down a path of destruction as he seeks to punish those who betrayed him.

One of the most interesting aspects of Timon of Athens is the character of Timon himself. Unlike many of Shakespeare's protagonists, Timon is not a hero to be admired, but a warning to be heeded. He is vain, foolish, and wildly extravagant, wasting his fortune on frivolous gifts and lavish parties, even as his debts pile up. He is also, in many ways, a tragic figure, destroyed by his own hubris and betrayed by the very people he trusted most.

The film's performances are uniformly excellent, with John Fortune giving a particularly strong turn as Timon. He brings a range of emotions to the character, from the initial joy of his opulent lifestyle to the bitterness and despair of his downfall. Tony Jay is also standout as Timon's loyal steward Flavius, who tries in vain to save his master from ruin.

The film's visuals are similarly impressive. The austere, marble columns and grand archways of ancient Athens are beautifully rendered, and the costumes and makeup are top-notch. The use of lighting and framing also artfully convey Timon's shifting emotional states, from the warm, golden hues of his early extravagance to the cold, gloomy shadows of his later isolation.

One potential downside of the film is that, like many Shakespeare adaptations, it can be difficult to follow the dialogue at times. Some viewers may find themselves struggling to keep up with the dense, poetic language, especially when multiple characters are speaking at once. However, this is a minor quibble, and fans of Shakespeare will likely find the film's language to be one of its greatest strengths.

Overall, Timon of Athens is a gripping and emotionally complex film that shines a light on the darker side of human nature. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of excess and the importance of loyalty and community, and it's a must-see for fans of Shakespeare and classic literature.

Timon of Athens is a 1981 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.