Essay Questions

How does Branagh's version of Twelfth Night differ from other movie versions?

In a way, this film is not really a film at all; it's more like a televised stage play. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is that there is only one set, and all of the action takes place around it. Other versions of Twelfth Night have incorporated multiple sets, making the Shakespearian play more like a traditional film with different locations adding to the cinematographic effect. By having only one set, the audience are effectively in the theater, watching the play on a stage, just as Shakespeare originally intended. It is also highly unusual for Kenneth Branagh to confine himself to something reserved, like a single-set film, because he is renowned for creating "special effects" Shakespeare, so much so that even the stage plays he has directed have included multiple sets and changes. The audience at times does not feel as though it is watching a film, rather, they are watching a play at the theater, which gives the film added authenticity.

How does the use of disguise and costume add to the general confusion of the play?

Everyone in the play is confused, but this is actually perfectly understandable, because they are unaware that Viola is actually female. This is the root of the confusion; Orsino believes that Cesario is trying to win Olivia's affections, and steal her from him, which of course is not true. He also believes that Olivia might be attracted to him were it not for Cesario's presence. Olivia herself is confused by Viola's disguise, falling in love with first "Cesario" and then Sebastian, Viola's twin brother, whom she does not realize to be a different person. Without the disguise, the majority of the conflicts in the movie would not take place, and so it is instrumental in creating the confusion between the different characters.

What the movie tell us about the British class system?

Although the movie takes place in Shakespeare's time, the class system that is portrayed in Twelfth Night still exists in Britain today. One of the most glaring examples of class in the movie is the way in which Malvolio's dream of marrying Olivia is a source of ridicule. To the other characters in the movie, he should know just how idiotic this dream really is. To Malvolio, it is perfectly reasonable to assume that Olivia might fall in love with him. However, Olivia is a noblewoman. Noblewomen did not easily marry those from a lower social class. Malvolio is not nobility and for Olivia to marry someone of a lower social rung on the ladder would mean to diminish her own standing as well. This can also work the other way, however, because Maria manages to promote her own social standard by "marrying up" and becoming the bride of Sir Toby Belch. Each of the characters is very aware of class and it seems to be a knowledge that is osmosed rather than taught.