Teaching Film Adaptations of "The Tempest"

I am taking a look at "The Tempest" because a new film version just came out this year.  It is a fantastical, science-fictional take on Shakespeare's comedy.  Although it has been numerous years since I've read this play, this new way in which to read "The Tempest" seems worthy of exploring.

Here is the trailer for the new futuristic version from 2010 (in HD, of course).



The decision to make a science fiction adaptation to a Shakespearean play is not surprising; with the popularity of Harry Potter and LOST, a fantastical world seems necessary for rating's (and money's) sake.  This illustrates a huge media literacy "teaching moment"; Is this science-fiction reading of Shakespeare valid, or merely a money-making tactic off of an already successful story line?  My argument, not having seen the movie mind you, that this is merely a money-making reading of "The Tempest."  I argue this, first of all, because the movie setting is Hawaii, not far from where LOST was filmed: a direct link to a recent success.  More importantly, "The Tempest" does not have any supernatural tendencies in the story.  Therefore, it does not warrant a supernatural reading.  I think that it is far-fetched and unjustified.  On the other hand, this version adheres closely with the play's plot and vernacular.  There are a significant number of Shakespearean adaptations that do not follow the storyline.  It would be really interesting for students to critique this reading of "The Tempest" as a post-reading activity.

There are, of course, a couple other adaptations of "The Tempest."  this 1982 version, strays far from the story line, to much criticism.  The other criticism is the acting.  This version takes place in New York City and Greece.




There is also a 1979 version, which is not readily available anymore and a 1900's silent film version.