Ghostlight is an indie film that at first blush seems to be dealing with some pretty well-worn tropes: we have a family dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event and has the lead character develops his emotional intelligence through the power of theater.
Sound like a bunch of other movies? It does, but this film is a testament to the fact that if you do a familiar trope well, the result can still end up being impactful.
This movie exercises drama and humor while also approaching Romeo and Juliet in a fresh new way. While Romeo and Juliet itself can feel overdone, especially if your exploring the first stirrings of young love, Ghostlight offers a new perspective not often explored.
Thanks to my guest, Amanda Bain-Wysocki, for bringing this movie to my attention, seeing it with me, and then discussing it with me! I’m guessing that you probably haven’t heard of this small little indie film, but I’d recommend checking it out if you’re of the Shakespearean persuasion. (And even if you’re not, there’s still something you can get from the film.)
This is the first of three shorts before the start of season 2 in October!
Further watching and listening
Drive My Car (2021) – Not related to Shakespeare but also worth watchingEpisode 8: Romeo + Juliet (1996) with guest Amanda Bain-Wysocki
Credit where credit is due
Podcast art by Halie Branson
Music recording by josdvg