Modern Classics: Reimagining Shakespeare in the ’90s
"10 Things I Hate About You" remains a landmark in ’90s teen cinema. A modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic "The Taming of the Shrew," it isn’t just a play adaptation, but a fresh take with a high school twist. As with other contemporary adaptations, such as this year’s "Anyone But You," inspired by "Much Ado About Nothing," it balances reverence for the Bard with creative liberties.
A Twist on Padua High’s Love Story
In this tale, Cameron’s pursuit of Bianca faces an immediate hurdle. Bianca’s father has a strict dating policy: she can only date once her elder sister, Kat, does. With Kat famously uninterested in romance, Cameron concocts a plan. Enlist Patrick, the quintessential high school rebel, to woo the formidable Kat. Though drawing from the play’s essence, "10 Things I Hate About You" departs significantly from its 16th-century roots.
The Omitted Shakespeare Prologue
Shakespeare’s "The Taming of the Shrew" begins with an interesting setup. Christopher Sly, a tinker, is unknowingly the protagonist in a play within a play. Shakespeare’s induction is cunning but often excluded in adaptations, including the film, as it adds little to the primary storyline.
From Marriage Pressure to Dating Rules
Walter Stratford, Kat and Bianca’s amusingly overprotective father, is a stark contrast to Shakespeare’s Baptista. While Baptista aims to marry off his unruly daughter Katherina, Walter’s intent is humorously simple: keep dating at bay until Kat dates. When Kat breaks Walter’s expectations, he’s forced to accept his daughters’ independence.
Rivalries in Love
Cameron’s main competition for Bianca’s attention is Joey, the school’s charming yet shallow model. Joey inadvertently becomes a pawn in Cameron’s plan when he pays Patrick to date Kat. In Shakespeare’s world, Lucentio, Cameron’s counterpart, faces several suitors for Bianca, yet only has eyes for her, proving true love conquers all.
Deceptions and Disguises
In "Shrew," disguises abound. Lucentio goes undercover as a tutor to win Bianca. Such intricacies are wisely shunned in the film, focusing instead on Cameron genuinely tutoring Bianca. This shift simplifies the romantic narrative and caters to the straightforward charm of its timeless teen audience.
A Deal of Dates
In a bid to date Bianca, Joey offers Patrick money to court Kat. Their relationship, unlike the play’s coercive marriage, is genuine. Patrick’s earnestness wins Kat over, portraying a love story where respect and sweetness reign. He serenades Kat and buys her a meaningful gift, an approach the play’s Petruchio could never comprehend.
Love versus Compliance
Petruchio’s approach to Katherina is vastly different from Patrick’s to Kat. Shakespeare’s Petruchio employs harsh methods to ‘tame’ Katherina. Conversely, Patrick wins Kat over with care and respect. Their connection grows naturally, culminating in an authentic relationship unmarred by force.
Exploring Kat’s Story
Modern storytelling provides Kat with a layered persona. Unlike the abrupt transformation of Shakespeare’s Katherina, Kat’s story reveals her guarded heart through past hurt. Once pressured and discarded by Joey, Kat’s guarded exterior is understandable. Through this detailed character study, she emerges as a relatable icon of resilience and authenticity.
In summary, "10 Things I Hate About You" expertly marries Shakespearean motifs with modern themes, proving that some stories, despite evolving, remain timeless classics.
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Image credit: screenrant.com
