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
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Rap music