Don't Asketh, Don't Telleth: 'Private Romeo' is a Gay 'Romeo and Juliet' Set in a Military Academy
Here's a bit of Valentine's Day heat for you.
Private Romeo takes Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and sets it at a military academy. It stars Seth Numrich and Matt Doyle as the star-crossed lovers. Numrich and Doyle are also set to star in the New York production of War Horse, opening on Broadway this sprint.
Private Romeo is in search of a distributor.
Check out the trailer, AFTER THE JUMP...
The idea sounds interesting, but based on this short trailer, I am not sure. But anyway, I like the idea of re-making the greatest love story of all time again in an unique way.
Posted by: Matt26 | Feb 14, 2011 3:45:31 PM
I kinda wish that when they adapt Shakespeare to a different setting in modern times they would also adapt the language to be more contemporary. I know that may seem sacrilegious to Shakespeare lovers but its the only way to actually buy whats going on. Otherwise it just seems silly.
Posted by: Wes | Feb 14, 2011 3:48:07 PM
Wes, they did that in West Side Story... I agree that it makes it more real. But sometimes the juxtaposition of the contemporary setting with the ornate language is exactly what makes a Shakespearean adaptation interesting. It's less about making the language believable (it's already believable), and more about linking the language with a more familiar setting. That said, in either treatment of the story, the production has to be spot-on. No amount of adaptation can compensate for sub-standard or sophomoric acting. That's why so many adaptations of the story (and, frankly, standard classical theatrical productions) fail.
Posted by: The Milkman | Feb 14, 2011 4:01:24 PM
Oh great just what we need a film about two young gay men who can't be together so they kill themselves!
Posted by: The Iron Orchard | Feb 14, 2011 4:10:32 PM
West Side Story is fine I guess. But for a modern reinterpretation of Romeo and Juliet I much prefer Underworld.
Posted by: Andrew | Feb 14, 2011 4:54:54 PM
@ wes:
what about "clueless," "10 things i hate about you" or, the aforementioned "west side story?"
i could probably come up with others but those are the ones that come to mind immediately.
Posted by: alguien | Feb 14, 2011 5:49:16 PM
whoop! i said "clueless" and that was a makeover of jane austin.
my bad!
Posted by: alguien | Feb 14, 2011 5:50:09 PM
@The Milkman: Must agree with you; the juxtaposition of the original language on the contemporary scene makes the whole production seem more sexy ! Looking forward to seeing it.
Posted by: JackFknTwist | Feb 14, 2011 5:53:33 PM
Dumbest movie ever! Hot boys....but just absolutely dumb!
Posted by: Daniel | Feb 14, 2011 5:57:16 PM
A couple of years ago I saw "RJ" a very powerful all male production of the play. This movie looks interesting even if the academy seems a bit underpopulated. Of course anyone familiar with David Decoteau's homoerotic horror movies can see a bit of "The Brotherhood" series in that trailer.
Posted by: jaragon | Feb 14, 2011 6:00:30 PM
Based on Romeo and Juliet?
This can't end well ...
Posted by: sparks | Feb 14, 2011 6:18:13 PM
@Andrew, I have never thought of Underworld that way, but you're totally right!! =) That's funny.
I'm not a fan of "gay" movies in general. So often, I think skin is thought to be a worthy substitute for story. This one is at least falling back on an established, though oft-retold, one.
Posted by: Austin | Feb 14, 2011 6:19:59 PM
"Were the World Mine," anyone?
Posted by: Brian | Feb 14, 2011 10:42:01 PM
And "Romeo's Private," the porno with way less talking will be out when?
Posted by: mintylaramie | Feb 15, 2011 1:02:24 AM
Oh good. We don't have NEARLY enough movies where the gay guy dies at the end.
Posted by: Jasun | Feb 15, 2011 1:27:52 PM
Hey check out (and like) an awesome review on the movie "Private Romeo" by one of the contributors of Culture Catch Mr. Judell at: http://culturecatch.com/film/private-romeo
Posted by: Michelle | Feb 14, 2012 4:10:57 PM