In the bonus track of the DVD of "Twelfth Night," Kenneth Branagh, the director of the 1987 stage production prior to its recording for television, described the concept as a Chekhovian quality of melancholy. Branagh wanted to convey a Dickensian Christmas setting, and the stage version was actually performed at Christmas time in London.
In the picturesque winter setting, Branagh also wanted to capture a sense of the flawed nature of humanity. Thus, the interpretation downplayed the broad comic elements, and focused on "Twelfth Night" as a drama as much as a comedy. The beautiful music of Patrick Doyle contributed to the melancholy effect.
The small cast was exceptional in making a smooth transition from theatrical acting to intimate acting for the camera. Branagh wanted Viola to serve a narrator, and the moments when she looked directly at the camera were effective. The concept was also successful in painting a total picture of the world of "Twelfth Night," as opposed to focusing on the evolution of Viola.
The Malvolio character was treated with greater sympathy than most productions. This was one of the rare instances when it was genuinely felt at the end that he would get redress for the treatment he received. It may be for this reason that Feste has his bags packed and is ready to skip out of town at the end.
Overall, it was thrilling to experience an ensemble cast that delivered on Shakespeare's magnificent language and psychological nuances of character. The play was given a sophisticated interpretation that clearly worked on both the live medium of theater and on the small screen.
In the picturesque winter setting, Branagh also wanted to capture a sense of the flawed nature of humanity. Thus, the interpretation downplayed the broad comic elements, and focused on "Twelfth Night" as a drama as much as a comedy. The beautiful music of Patrick Doyle contributed to the melancholy effect.
The small cast was exceptional in making a smooth transition from theatrical acting to intimate acting for the camera. Branagh wanted Viola to serve a narrator, and the moments when she looked directly at the camera were effective. The concept was also successful in painting a total picture of the world of "Twelfth Night," as opposed to focusing on the evolution of Viola.
The Malvolio character was treated with greater sympathy than most productions. This was one of the rare instances when it was genuinely felt at the end that he would get redress for the treatment he received. It may be for this reason that Feste has his bags packed and is ready to skip out of town at the end.
Overall, it was thrilling to experience an ensemble cast that delivered on Shakespeare's magnificent language and psychological nuances of character. The play was given a sophisticated interpretation that clearly worked on both the live medium of theater and on the small screen.