An adaptation of the play by William Shakespeare. Prospera (a female version of Shakespeare's Prospero) is the usurped ruler of Milan who has been banished to a mysterious island with her daughter. Using her magical powers, she draws her enemies to the island to exact her revenge.
Costume
Sandy Powell's island looks—absolutely unhinged in the best way.
Acting
Mirren commands every frame; everyone else is just visiting.
Direction
Taymor goes FULL Taymor—puppets, spirits, volcanic meltdowns.
Director
Julie Taymor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Taymor fought the studio to keep Prospera female; they wanted Mirren playing a man. She won.
This was the first major Shakespeare film with a female Prospero, predating a wave of gender-flipped Bard adaptations.
US
