The strengths of this tribute to the Reinhardt-Dieterle film are compelling original music, an effectively magical if brooding atmosphere, and an angelically fiery Titania.
Its weaknesses include an Oberon who is at once too dangerous and too dull (an odd combination even for this play of opposites); distinctly unfunny mechanicals, who, like everyone else in the film, are forced into poses inspired by Dutch painters; a Helena who is played ugly in spite of all the lines to the contrary; and a Puck who seems a nearly mindless animal, as far from humor as he is from humanness.
Its weaknesses include an Oberon who is at once too dangerous and too dull (an odd combination even for this play of opposites); distinctly unfunny mechanicals, who, like everyone else in the film, are forced into poses inspired by Dutch painters; a Helena who is played ugly in spite of all the lines to the contrary; and a Puck who seems a nearly mindless animal, as far from humor as he is from humanness.