Bit of a complicated legacy with this one. It was released to near-universal acclaim, yet the only times I ever hear anyone mention it nowadays is when they're either praising Saving Private Ryan or criticizing the Oscars. Though I guess that's bound to happen when your producer all but buys the Best Picture prize.
There's a part of me that wants to defend this movie, to tell the Academy haters out there to stuff it. But I can't quite get there. Shakespeare in Love is somewhat endearing in its fabrications and lightheartedness and cutesy dialogue, and the sets and costumes are generally convincing, but the story just doesn't grab me. As much as I like the idea of turning The Bard into a total horndog, I didn't find him or Viola or their romance particularly compelling or insightful.
This isn't as stuffy as your typical Oscar bait, but the presentation falls right in line. There's not a whole lot of life or personality here. Though at least Geoffrey Rush and Judi Dench (who won Best Supporting Actress for doing almost nothing, yet it doesn't feel undeserved) and even Ben Affleck manage to provide some exuberance.
Grade: B-
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