Romeo & Juliet 
(The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company)

— An interesting Garrick Theatre stage production recorded in black and white to enhance its 1960’s New Wave cinema vibe. Think of Fellini directing Shakespeare but with an actor who’s less talented than any Fellini chose. Poor Richard Madden in Ray Ban’s with a James Dean look snarls and furls his brow when he isn’t looking doe-eyed at Lily James’ more accomplished Juliet, hoping that’s enough but he really can’t do the role justice. Worse, with Derek Jacobi as Mercutio, he’s often on stage with someone who really can act. Even with a few problems, the classic tale is mostly whole and enjoyable.

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[2016. 165 min. Directed by Rob Ashford and Kenneth Branagh. Starring Richard Madden, Lily James, Derek Jacobi, and Meera Syal.]
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/romeo-and-juliet-garrick-review-richard-madden-is-a-maddeningly/