Twelfth Night: Or What You Will (1996)

71% of critics liked it
(31 reviews)
77% of users liked it
(7,530 ratings)

The classic Shakespearean comedy about mistaken identity and gender confusion is brought to the screen once again in this British production, courtesy of screenwriter-director Trevor Nunn. Nunn has transferred the time period to the Victorian Era of the late 19th century. Two twins, Viola (Imogen… More The classic Shakespearean comedy about mistaken identity and gender confusion is brought to the screen once again in this British production, courtesy of screenwriter-director Trevor Nunn. Nunn has transferred the time period to the Victorian Era of the late 19th century. Two twins, Viola (Imogen Stubbs) and Sebastian (Steven MacKintosh), are separated when their ship capsizes. Each believes that the other has drowned. Viola washes ashore on the coast of Illyria. She disguises herself as a man and assumes the name Cesario so that she can take a position as an aide to the Duke, Orsinio (Toby Stephens). Orsinio desires Olivia (Helena Bonham Carter), who refuses his attentions. He also flirts with Maria (Imelda Staunton), Olivia's maid. Orsinio sends Cesario as an emissary to Olivia. The foppish Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Richard E. Grant) also seeks Olivia's love. He is a friend of her besotted uncle, Sir Toby Belch (Mel Smith). With the clownish philosopher Feste (Ben Kingsley), all these members of Olivia's household plot to embarrass the dour Malvolio (Nigel Hawthorne), a butler who has no tolerance for frivolity. They fool Malvolio into thinking that Olivia desires him, and when he confesses his love, Olivia orders him imprisoned as a madman. Sebastian then turns up and is mistaken for Cesario. A series of mishaps follows. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 14 min.
Directed By: Trevor Nunn
Written By: Trevor Nunn
Genres: Drama, Television, Romance, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 1, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Aug 30, 2005
Studio: New Line Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Todd McCarthy, Variety
A handsome, agreeably performed rendition that fails to ignite much laughter or any real emotion.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
A comic meditation on desire, disguise and inherent bisexuality.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
An entertaining movie. No more, no less.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Only fitfully do the actors actually seem to become the characters they are playing.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
British director Nunn doesn't always take advantage of the play's comic possibilities. But he creates absorbing, original moments -- in the unlikeliest of places.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
An innovative and imaginatively rendered version of Shakespeare's funniest play.
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
I started watching the film by thinking, "They should film more of the comedies," and probably They still should, but I ended by thinking, "They really ought to hire movie directors to make movies."
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Where is Preston Sturges when we need him?
, Film4
Why Nunn chose to set this version in the 1890s is a little baffling.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The direction is assured, and the cast is masterly.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
Another fine film version of the Bard's work...
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Focuses on the twists and turns in the giddy game of life.
Leslie Rigoulot, Film Scouts
Not to be missed.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Luke B

Light-hearted Shakespeare just as it should be. Pretty much perfectly cast with each actor hitting all the right notes. Still like with most Shakespeare it will never match up to its source material but at least it goes for a fair balance between the theatrical and the cinematic.
Sunil J

Good cast but is just pretty blah and uninteresting.
Marion R

I really enjoyied this adaptation. It was much more fun. I just really thought it was great!