About 99 Ways

Ever since we started talking about "99 Ways", I've begun to take notice of this concept exemplified all over the place. The most striking thing to me is how many different ways books can be translated into film. And then they often re-make movies, which is another example of how a storyline can remain unchanged, but with huge opportunities for creative freedom within the piece. Sitting here watching television, I just came across "Romeo and Juliet", the 1996 Leo DiCaprio version, which I absolutely adore~ I went to the movies and saw it 3 times when it came out, own the soundtrack, the whole deal... So, of course, I'm watching it and I can't help but think of what a great example this film is of the idea our "99 Ways" is demonstrating. Stylistically, it could not be more different from the classic Franco Zepherelli (sp?) version. And another great example is that no matter how accurately the original film version depicts the play, it will never be the same as the way it was performed in Shakespeare's time, on his stage. And of course, this applies also to all of his and other playwrights' works put on the big screen. It's really quite "interesting" eh? No, really, I think it's great that our imaginations can interpret one thing in so many different ways; and what's even more truly interesting is that two people can watch the same thing and have completely different perceptions of the work given his her life's experience, beliefs, opinions, etc. Very cool.