Author: Obeid Al Marri
Greetings and salutations fellow bloggers and blogerettes, in this
blog, I’ll be discussing Shakespeare’s presence in the Media. No, he didn't get
caught doing something horrendous again this time down by Stratford-upon-Avenue
but, I’ll be discussing his influence on Modern Media and the numerous references
made of him in the varying media mediums. Let’s get to it! But firstly, let me introduce
you to the powerful yet vital power present amongst society… THE MEDIA!
The media in basic terms is or are the various methods information
can be communicated by. The fields of media studies and media theory are
dedicated to the analysis and understanding of the innumerable media through
which information is directed towards and communicated. Under the influence of
these field, the media through which literature is communicated is no longer
considered secondary to the literary content or form, but deserving attention
in its own right. Likewise, the various literary contents and form can and are
often deeply influenced by media of their transmission. The perception of
historical figures, ideologies and in this case, literary idols such as
Shakespeare, are continually pondered upon as irrelevant or misunderstood
throughout their perception or reference in media outlets. bla...bla..bla..
Shakespeare
portrayal through Media:
Shakespeare transcends media categories: his works figure on page
and stage, on screens of all sizes, and in art and music of many styles. Many
modern interpretations of Shakespeare tend to be illustrated in dramatic movies
as their themes are implemented similar to that of the original although a
slight “Artistic Touch” is used in order to avoid copyright infringement issues
most media organizations face.
In a more recent reference, Shakespeare has been
resurrected, not literally, in many present technology related sources as his
literary works of art are available throughout the surfing of electronic
databases, social networks, and mobile phone applications. This seminar offers
a platform for global Shakespeareans from diverse fields to meet, and to
explore the various appearances of Shakespeare across media.
Some prominent screen adaptations of
Shakespeare’s plays portrayed in the media comprise of:
The Merchant of Venice (2004, Al
Pacino) -- Romeo and Juliet (1936, Norma
Shearer & Leslie Howard; 1968, Olivia Hussey & Leonard Whiting; 1996,
Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio) --- Hamlet (1948, Lawrence Olivier;
1964, Richard Burton; 1991, Mel Gibson; 1996, Kenneth Branagh; 2000, Ethan
Hawke; 2010, David Tennant) -- As you like it (1934, Lawrence
Olivier; 2006, Bryce Dallas Howard)
A website that
lists top 20 Shakespearean works of art created into modern day movies through
media -> http://www.dailywritingtips.com/20-movies-based-on-shakespeare-plays/
Shakespeare’s
influence on Media:
Shakespeare in mass media–particularly film, video, and television–is
arguably the fastest growing research agenda in Shakespeare studies. Shakespeare
after Mass Media provides both students and scholars with the most comprehensive
resource available for studying the extraordinary literary works and influence of
Shakespeare’s plays in a wide range of media.
From marketing to electronic Shakespeare’s, comics to romance *romantic music plays in the background* novels, radio and popular music, the contributors explore the contemporary
cultural significance of Shakespeare with theoretical sophistication and
accessible writing. Why do media outlets refer to his plays so much you say? BAM! The implementations of his literary works seem to be
profound in many media outlets as his work is by far bowed down to as a
historical idol that’s name will be forever carved in the hearts of those who
are exposed to his very appealing and interesting literary works.
And to conclude this Blog, here is your weekly fact dosage:
Did you know!
Shakespeare
invented & coined hundreds of words and phrases. They include “swagger” “fashionable”
and the infamous “in a pickle”
And…
Shakespeare
currently has 950 (current estimate) writing credits for
television and films on IMDB! CHECK IT OUT for yourself! à http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000636/
Farewell, fair
cruelty. and Remember, Check Back soon!
