Joss Whedon and Shakespeare? Yes, please.
Whedon has made me fall in love with countless characters. I’m not talking about the “she’s so cool, I want to be her for Halloween” kind of love or the “he’s so cool, I want to jump his fictitious bones” kind of love. Although, if I’m being honest… those apply, too. What I’m talking about is a true and lasting love. This is the kind of love that endures the test of time and network cancellations. His characters are people (or demons, vampires, etc., etc.) you really get to know. Their strengths and flaws both endear them to their audience and give them life.
Sorry, am I gushing? …and I haven’t even mentioned the intricately woven and captivating storylines. Thank the Gods that Joss Whedon continued several of his tales in print form after their TV counterparts were unjustly cancelled.
Anyway, combine this with the legend that is Shakespeare. I mean, this guy was celebrated in his own time and still is, centuries later. In my mind, that certainly speaks to the quality of his work. Now I’m not the biggest fan of some of his characters, which can lack depth, or some of this his plot lines. Let’s face it, how many times can we really stomach the same themes and plot twists? …everything that could go wrong does go wrong, everybody dies, tragic love, blah, blah, blah. That said, the man’s undeniably beautiful prose and clever wordplay are more than enough to win me over. Regardless of whether you believe Shakespeare actually penned these words himself (‘Anonymous’ Trailer: DUDE, What If Shakespeare Didn’t Write Shakespeare?!), they are brilliant. The literary nerd in me (She’s not buried too deep. Okay, she’s hardly buried at all. Fine, I really miss English class! Happy?) can’t wait to see what Whedon and the players from all over his ‘verse are going to do!