SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, a witty, fast-moving romantic comedy set in London in 1593, follows the trials and tribulations of Will Shakespeare (JOSEPH FIENNES), a struggling young playwright suffering from a dreadful bout of writer's block. No matter how hard he tries, he just can't seem to make any headway with his latest work, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter." Somehow, even the title doesn't sound quite right.  But then, Will meets and falls instantly in love with the startlingly beautiful Viola (GWYNETH PALTROW) who, desperate

to become an actor (in a time when women are not allowed to perform in the theatre), disguises herself as a man to audition for his play. Inspired by love, Will's creative powers are unleashed as his great love story, "Romeo and Juliet," is brought to life for the first time.
From acclaimed director JOHN MADDEN ("Mrs. Brown"), SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE also stars Academy Award winners GEOFFREY RUSH ("Shine") and BEN AFFLECK ("Good Will Hunting") in fabulously comic roles, Academy Award nominee JUDI DENCH ("Mrs. Brown") as Queen Elizabeth I and COLIN FIRTH ("The English Patient").

Joseph Fiennes

Joseph Fiennes

Ben Affleck

Gwyneth Paltrow &
Joseph Fiennes

Gwyneth Paltrow &
Joseph Fiennes

Tom Wilkinson

DIRECTOR John Madden PRODUCER David Parfitt
SCREENPLAY Marc Norman and  Tom Stoppard