Renaissance Man

Synopsis
Feature film. Bill Rago, an advertising executive, fails to win a multi-million dollar account. He registers as unemployed and is assigned a six-week job at the MacClane US Army Training Corps as a teacher in an ethnically diverse class. Never having taught before, Rago decides to teach the class Hamlet, as he happens to have a copy with him. The class responds well and later perform a ‘Hamlet Rap’. He accompanies his class to Stratford, Canada to see a stage performance of Henry V, the scene chosen is Henry rallying his troops before Harfleur. The climax of the film sees Rago reciting Henry’s ‘St Crispian’s Day’ speech (IV iii) from memory in a strong Brooklyn accent. Shakespeare is used to allow the exploration and articulation of Rago’s problems, and as a civilising agent in a romantic and unconvincing film.
Language
English
Country
United States
Medium
Film
Technical information
Colour / Sound
Year of release
1994
Duration
126 mins; 11,542 feet

Credits

Director
Penny Marshall
Producer
Abbott. Elliot; Robert Greenhut; Sara Colleton
Screenplay
Jim Burnstein
Music
Hans Zimmer
Art Direction
Richard Johnson (2)
Cast
Danny DeVitoBill Rago
Gregory HinesSergeant Lou Cass

Additional Details

Production type
Fiction Films
Plays
Hamlet; Henry V
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Rap music

Notes

General
A definition of stage drama offered in the film "you know, like TV without the box".

Production Company

Name

Cinergi Pictures

Distributor (Sale)

Name

Retail outlets

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "Renaissance Man". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av36643 (Accessed 03 Oct 2024)