Why William Shakespeare is the Father of All Modern Storytelling
William Shakespeare is the Daddy of Modern Storytelling. Despite writing centuries ago, Shakespeare’s influence on modern storytelling is profound and irrefutable.
From themes of love and betrayal to explorations of politics and identity, Shakespeare pioneered storytelling techniques and spoke about human themes that still captivate contemporary audiences.
Let’s compare Shakespeare’s plays with 12 iconic films.
1. Tragic Love: “Romeo and Juliet” vs. “West Side Story” (1961)
Shakespeare’s timeless tale of forbidden love between two young souls from feuding families has been reimagined in numerous ways. “West Side Story” sets this tragic love amidst two warring gangs in New York. The essence remains unchanged – love’s struggle against external prejudices.
2. Fatal Ambition: “Macbeth” vs. “Scarface” (1983)
The thirst for power and the catastrophic downfall it can lead to is brilliantly showcased in “Macbeth.” Similarly, in “Scarface,” Tony Montana’s relentless ambition for power in the drug trade ultimately leads to his ruin.
3. Supernatural Elements: “Hamlet” vs. “The Sixth Sense” (1999)
Ghosts play a pivotal role in both tales. While the ghost of Hamlet’s father spurs him to seek revenge, in “The Sixth Sense,” young Cole’s ability to see ghosts reveals a world beyond our understanding, emphasizing unresolved past issues.
4. Deceptive Appearances: “Othello” vs. “Gone Girl” (2014)
Both stories delve into the dangers of deception. While Iago’s manipulation leads Othello to doubt Desdemona’s fidelity, in “Gone Girl,” Amy’s elaborate ruse makes the world believe she’s a victim, highlighting the facades we maintain.
5. Power and Politics: “Julius Caesar” vs. “House of Cards”
The cutthroat world of politics is central to both narratives. Brutus’ betrayal and Caesar’s assassination mirror Frank Underwood’s manipulative ascent to power, proving political intrigue is ageless.
6. Comedic Misunderstandings: “Much Ado About Nothing” vs. “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
“10 Things I Hate About You” is a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s play, where misunderstandings and matchmaking lead to humorous outcomes. Themes of love, pride, and miscommunication are universally relatable.
7. Gender Roles and Disguise: “Twelfth Night” vs. “She’s The Man” (2006)
Viola’s disguise as her twin brother in “Twelfth Night” inspired “She’s The Man.” Both stories play with gender roles and societal expectations, underscoring the fluidity of identity.
8. Magic and Fantasy: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” vs. “Stardust” (2007)
Both works weave tales of enchanting worlds. While Shakespeare presents mischievous fairies meddling in human affairs, “Stardust” introduces a star-turned-human, witches, and quests, highlighting the wonder of imagination.
9. Timeless Themes: “King Lear” vs. “The Lion King” (1994)
Centring on betrayal, family, and redemption, both tales capture the essence of the human experience. Simba’s journey mirrors Lear’s descent into madness and eventual enlightenment.
10. Jealousy and Revenge: “The Tempest” vs. “Avatar” (2009)
While Prospero uses magic to exact revenge on those who wronged him, the indigenous Na’vi in “Avatar” resist colonizers exploiting their land. Themes of vengeance, reconciliation, and the power of nature are paramount.
11. The Complexities of Love: “As You Like It” vs. “Shakespeare in Love” (1998)
While not a direct adaptation, “Shakespeare in Love” borrows themes from “As You Like It,” portraying love’s complexities and the challenges of societal norms.
12. Moral Dilemma: “Measure for Measure” vs. “Minority Report” (2002)
Both stories grapple with justice, morality, and the consequences of preemptive action. While the Duke in Shakespeare’s play uses subterfuge to test his subjects, “Minority Report” delves into the ethics of arresting individuals for crimes they’re predicted to commit.
William Shakespeare’s storytelling genius transcends time. His understanding of the human psyche, his exploration of themes that are still relevant today, and his innate ability to capture the essence of the human experience make him an enduring figure in literature. But is that true? What about more modern films?
12 modern films produced since 2005 and their lineage to Shakespeare
Let’s compare twelve more modern films with Shakespeare’s timeless tales that underscore his enduring influence on storytelling:
1. Tragic Love: “Romeo and Juliet” vs. “Warm Bodies” (2013)
This post-apocalyptic zombie film gives a fresh twist to Shakespeare’s classic love story. A human named Julie and a zombie named R fall in love amidst societal division, reflecting the timeless struggle of love against external prejudices.
2. Fatal Ambition: “Macbeth” vs. “The Social Network” (2010)
While not a direct adaptation, Mark Zuckerberg’s ambition and the subsequent friendships it jeopardizes in “The Social Network” mirror the dark descent of Macbeth, illustrating the costs of unchecked ambition.
3. Supernatural Elements: “Hamlet” vs. “Crimson Peak” (2015)
Both stories delve into family, betrayal, and ghostly apparitions. Just as the ghost of Hamlet’s father reveals truths, the spirits in “Crimson Peak” unveil dark family secrets.
4. Deceptive Appearances: “Othello” vs. “Gone Girl” (2014)
As mentioned, “Gone Girl” exemplifies deception’s dangers. Amy’s manipulation parallels Iago’s tactics in creating a false narrative to trap those around them.
5. Power and Politics: “Julius Caesar” vs. “The Ides of March” (2011)
The political intrigue and betrayal in “The Ides of March” mirrors the treacherous political landscape of “Julius Caesar.” Both tales explore ambition, loyalty, and the moral cost of power.
6. Comedic Misunderstandings: “Much Ado About Nothing” vs. “Easy A” (2010)
Inspired by The Scarlet Letter and not directly by Shakespeare, “Easy A” still reflects Shakespearean comedic misunderstandings, reputation, and the spread of rumors, much like the misunderstandings and gossip in “Much Ado About Nothing.”
7. Gender Roles and Disguise: “Twelfth Night” vs. “She’s The Man” (2006)
This modern adaptation of “Twelfth Night” hilariously tackles gender norms, societal expectations, and the comedic consequences of mistaken identity.
8. Magic and Fantasy: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” vs. “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006)
Though inspired by various myths and fairytales, “Pan’s Labyrinth” evokes Shakespearean elements of fantasy, whimsy, and the intertwining of human and supernatural realms.
9. Family Betrayal: “King Lear” vs. “Nocturnal Animals” (2016)
Deep-seated betrayal, revenge, and family tragedies underpin both stories. Themes of loss, regret, and retribution are central to both narratives.
10. Revenge and Justice: “The Tempest” vs. “Inception” (2010)
While “Inception” is a futuristic heist film, at its core, it’s about a man seeking redemption and revenge, reminiscent of Prospero’s journey in “The Tempest.”
11. Love and Identity: “As You Like It” vs. “Call Me by Your Name” (2017)
Though not directly inspired by Shakespeare, this film’s exploration of love, self-discovery, and societal norms channels the emotional depth and complexity of relationships found in plays like “As You Like It.”
12. War and Loyalty: “Henry V” vs. “Dunkirk” (2017)
While “Dunkirk” is a historical recounting of a real event and not a Shakespearean adaptation, the themes of bravery, leadership, and the harrowing costs of war are reminiscent of those in Shakespeare’s histories, especially “Henry V.”
Modern films continue to be influenced by the universal themes Shakespeare explored in his plays. His understanding of human nature, love, ambition, betrayal, and morality resonates in contemporary cinema, solidifying his title as the “Father of Modern Storytelling.” He talks about humans and stories are about humans.
