Studio Magazine 3/99

(Courtesy of Antonieta)

We have seen him in Bertolucci's Stealing Beauty, enjoyed his role as a teacher in Martha Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence, and later his portayal of Dudley in Elizabeth. When John Madden offered him the title role in Shakespeare in Love, Joseph Alberic Fiennes, 28, brother of Ralph and twin of Jake, didn't ask himself the question:"To be or not to be" Shakespeare. The universe of the great Will is well known to Joe Fiennes. First, because he is English and cultured, plus he has interpreted the master's work twice in the theatre with Troilus and Cressida and As You Like It. "John Madden's movie," he says "gives the young Shakespeare a human dimension. He shows him in love (with Gwyneth Paltrow) and also with serious financial problems, being pressured by his producers, and lacking inspiration. He honors the genius without neglecting the man." His next movie? Rancid Aluminum, a thriller this time a contemporary work about the Russian mafia.

(Text translated by Christiane)