A Midsummer Night's Dream

A mix of Hollywood glamour and theatrical class distinguishes Hoffman’s film version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. The story is well known: preparations for the wedding of Duke Theseus and Hippolyta are under way, when the duke is forced to listen to the complaints of opposing sides in a dispute over an arranged marriage. Egeus has promised his daughter Hermia to Demetrius, but she loves Lysander. Hermia plans to escape with her lover to the woods, using a newfangled invention, the bike, but her best friend, Helena -who is in love with Demetrius- knows of the plot. Hoffman uses the original Shakespeare verse, the soundtrack features a collection of opera’s. The setting allows for frilly costumes, charming piazza’s and gorgeous Italian landscapes.