Is A Midsummer Night's Dream a Romantic Comedy?

Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream has inspired numerous film adaptations throughout the years. While this timeless tale is often categorized as a romantic comedy, is the interpretation so black and white?

Defining the Genre: Romantic Comedy

A romantic comedy, commonly abbreviated as 'rom-com,' is a genre that focuses on the humorous and sometimes irreverent depiction of romantic love and relationships. These films often blend elements of romance and comedy, often structured around a central love story. Romantic comedies typically revolve around the development of passionate and comedic situations involving two or more characters as they navigate the complexities of falling in love or dealing with romantic situations.

The Films of A Midsummer Night's Dream

The play A Midsummer Night's Dream has been adapted countless times to the silver screen, with each version reflecting the unique vision of its directors and actors. Throughout these adaptations, a common theme emerges: the play is often presented as a quintessential romantic comedy.

The 1999 Baz Luhrmann Adaptation

Baz Luhrmann's 1999 adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, and Scott Glenn, is a prominent example of this genre classification. This version of the play takes a modern and playful approach, blending Elizabethan-era elements with contemporary fashion and setting. The film heightens the comedic aspects of the original work, turning the enchanted forest into a vibrant and whimsical space filled with romance and mischief.

Themes and Elements

A Midsummer Night's Dream is filled with several hallmark elements of a romantic comedy. The plot revolves around the intertwining of the mortal world and the fairy realm, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comedic scenarios. The central love stories include the couples Lysander and Hermia, Demetrius and Helena, and Oberon and Titania. These couples undergo humorous and poignant transformations as they navigate their love and the magical interference.

Classic Romantic Comedy Elements

The romantic comedies of today often rely on the same elements that make A Midsummer Night's Dream so enjoyable. These include:

Unfulfilled love and obligatory flirting Truths being accidentally revealed through comedic misunderstandings Characters stumbling into a love story they never expected Consequences, both hilarious and heartfelt, of young love

Conclusion: A True Romantic Comedy

Given the numerous adaptations and the clear manifestation of romantic comedy elements, it is safe to say that most film versions of A Midsummer Night's Dream indeed qualify as romantic comedies. However, it's important to note that the play's enduring appeal lies not just in its categorization, but in its timeless themes and magical charm. The genre classification serves more as a route to understanding the playful and charming essence that has charmed audiences for generations.

Further Reading and Viewing

For a deeper dive into the romantic comedy adaptations of A Midsummer Night's Dream, consider exploring:

Liv Ullmann's 1965 film adaptation which provides a more traditional and character-driven approach. The Moontangled 2003 television film adaptation, which blends live-action and computer-generated imagery to create an entirely different take. Luhrmann's innovative and visually stunning approach in the 1999 film.

These adaptations offer a range of perspectives, each reflecting the timeless appeal of Shakespeare's original work within the genre of romantic comedy.