12 Years Before Sinners, Hailee Steinfeld Starred in This Underrated Shakespeare Adaptation by Downton Abbey’s Creator

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Hailee Steinfeld‘s recent portrayal as alluring Mary in Ryan Coogler’s movie “Sinners” has been a hot topic on every social media platform. The young talent has been captivating everyone recently, and it seems she’s not about to let up. Prior to embodying the bloodthirsty vampire in this film, Steinfeld had already breathed life into cherished Marvel characters like Kate Bishop in “Hawkeye” and Gwen Stacy in “Spider-Verse”. However, if we go back 12 years to before the era of “Sinners”, audiences were introduced to a much younger Steinfeld, who was fresh from her Academy Award-nominated debut in “True Grit”. She then stepped into one of literature’s most iconic roles.

In the 2013 movie version of “Romeo and Juliet,” Carrie Steinfeld portrayed the character of Juliet. This film is notable not just for its youthful stars but also for its script, written by Julian Fellowes, who created the acclaimed series “Downton Abbey.” Despite a strong team behind the scenes, including a skilled cast, this adaptation was generally met with quiet criticism and frequently overshadowed amidst numerous retellings of the classic love story. Upon rewatching the 2013 version, one can clearly see an early demonstration of Steinfeld’s diverse acting skills, particularly her aptitude for period pieces.

Hailee Steinfeld’s Early Performances Are Just As Worthy As Her Recent Ones

Hailee Steinfeld’s First True Role Was in 2010’s True Grit

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, Hailee Steinfeld showcased her extraordinary talent early in her acting journey. Making an impressive entrance on the silver screen with her Academy Award-nominated portrayal of the resolute Mattie Ross in True Grit, Steinfeld demonstrated an indomitable spirit, sharp intellect, and a remarkable mastery of period dialogue that belied her tender age of 13. Her debut performance was nothing short of exceptional, setting the stage for her dramatic prowess to blossom further as she transitioned from the rugged landscapes of the American frontier to the romantic backdrop of Verona.

In 2013, when Hailee was approximately sixteen years old, she tackled the distinctive yet equally arduous task of playing the globally renowned tragic teenage heroine. Portraying Juliet Capulet is a significant milestone, a lofty expectation for an actress who must express innocence, budding emotion, defiance, and ultimately, heart-wrenching sorrow. Even at such a young age, Steinfeld managed to convey a unique mix of vulnerability and determination in the role. Her Juliet felt strikingly genuine, embodying the wide-eyed charm of first love and the terrifying rapidity with which her world could crumble.

Playing the role of 16-year-old Juliet was quite a challenge for Steinfeld. Balancing the grace and eloquence expected from a 14th-century character while delivering Shakespearean dialogue was no easy feat, and at times, she seemed to struggle with the old English dialect. Critics noted that her delivery wasn’t always as accurate as desired, but they praised her for faithfully portraying Juliet’s emotional depth and soulfulness. In his review for Variety, film critic Justin Chang commented, “Although Steinfeld may not have mastered the precise diction, she more than makes up for it with her sweetness, grace, and a raw emotional honesty that truly embodies Juliet’s optimistic essence.

After playing a role in “True Grit”, Steinfeld’s portrayal of Juliet further demonstrated her knack for period pieces. This early comfort with historical settings hinted at her future success in portraying real-life historical figures, showcasing a wide range beyond her initial success in Western roles. However, these early triumphs in period settings served as stepping stones for a career that would reveal Steinfeld’s remarkable versatility. Her recent venture into the horror genre with “Sinners” reinforces her reputation as an actress willing to take on diverse and challenging material.

Julian Fellowes Aimed For An Accessible Romeo & Juliet Adaptation

The 2013 production of Romeo & Juliet that stood out, sparking intense discussion, was primarily defined by the unique method employed by its renowned screenwriter, Julian Fellowes. Fresh off the success of Downton Abbey, Fellowes intentionally chose to simplify Shakespeare’s grand tragedy for a broader audience. He believed that many people might find Elizabethan poetry unfamiliar or intimidating, making it necessary to create an adaptation that was easier to understand, given the play’s intricate nature.

To put it simply, Fellowes adapted and made less formal some parts of the play’s dialogue for the film. Although the storyline, memorable quotes, and overall structure were kept the same, he made the intricate verses and complex sentence constructions more like everyday speech. Previously, the screenwriter explained his reasoning behind this method, stating that he aimed to make it easier for audiences to understand and connect with the characters.

In contrast to those who appreciated the objective of making it accessible, numerous critics expressed dissatisfaction as they felt that simplifying the language diminished the beauty, intensity, and linguistic depth characteristic of Shakespeare’s works. Consequently, the dialogue often came across as uninteresting or uncomfortable. In her critique, Susan Wloszczyna identified the reinterpretation of a significant portion of the original material as the most significant letdown. She stated, “The balcony scene falls flat. This is the production’s biggest disappointment. Honestly, if you can’t get this right, then why make Romeo and Juliet at all? Both Steinfeld and Booth struggle with Shakespeare’s poetic cadences.

In addition to making it accessible, Fellowes might have been aiming for a more truthful portrayal of the central tragedy that resonates with today’s audience. By choosing actors who are near the ages of the characters, the movie sought an accurate representation of adolescent emotions such as passion, spontaneity, and fragility. Notably, a talented ensemble of adult actors, including Damian Lewis (as Lord Capulet), Paul Giamatti (as Friar Laurence), Stellan Skarsgård (as Prince Escalus), and Lesley Manville (as Nurse), bolstered the young leads and added depth to the film.

Julian Fellowes’ Romeo & Juliet Legacy Remains Debatable

For over a decade, Julian Fellowes and Carlo Carlei’s adaptation of Romeo & Juliet has sparked ongoing discussions among Shakespeare aficionados and film critics. Frequently, the discourse revolves around comparing it to the enduring classic status or the cultural explosion triggered by Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 extravagant version featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

Many fans and appreciators of Shakespeare’s renowned play, Romeo and Juliet, have praised the 2013 adaptation. Compared to previous adaptations, some viewers find that Fellowes’ version stands out the most. “I’ve watched three distinct adaptations of Romeo and Juliet, but this one is my clear favorite. I believe the scenery is stunning, the music is refined, and it does a commendable job of staying faithful to the original while making the language easy for younger viewers to comprehend,” goes a review from an audience member.

Some viewers expressed strong disapproval of the film by stating, “The general audience will likely never grasp this movie’s complexities as they struggle to distinguish literature, theater, and cinema. Although there are minor imperfections, I believe the film is skillfully crafted and undeserving of the intense criticism it has garnered, in my view.

Without a doubt, the movie showcases a unique visual charm, thanks to its filming at breathtaking Italian landscapes such as Verona and Mantua, and with elaborate costume designs from the period. Director Carlei sought a timelessly romantic aesthetic, which turned out to be one of the most appreciated aspects of Romeo & Juliet. As one viewer put it, “Visually, this film is stunningly beautiful. The person who selected the locations deserves a kiss from all around the world. From the moment Juliet runs in her orange dress, viewers are captivated by the choice of colors and scenery.

Although some might question the film’s place among Shakespearean adaptations due to controversial script modifications by Fellowes, it’s still worth considering. The movie, titled Romeo & Juliet, boasts striking visuals, a coherent story arc, robust supporting roles, and above all, an impressive early leading performance from Steinfeld. Her portrayal of the main character in this film reaffirmed her talent for embodying key roles with conviction and emotional richness, a skill we first noticed in True Grit.

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2025-04-29 02:39