Were the World Mine. Dir. Tom Gustafson. San Jose, CA: Wolfe Video, 2008. DVD. 95 min. $24.95.
Taking its title from a line in the original play, Were the World Mine is a creative re-imagining of A Midsummer Night’s Dream that asks, “If you could make someone love you, would you?”
The film presents a few complicated love affairs, from the main character, Timothy’s, crush on a seemingly straight rugby player at his all-boys prep school, to his mother’s longing for a husband who is out of the picture. The film also tells the all too familiar story of homophobic bullying in school. But things take a turn when Timothy, while preparing to play Puck in the school production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, creates an elixir that causes people to fall in love with the first person they see. After instigating gay love affairs throughout town, Timothy, along with the help of a kooky drama teacher, resolves everything and performs in a stunning production of the play.
Were the World Mine features several fanciful musical numbers, with lyrics adapted from Shakespeare’s words. Comparisons to High School Musical are hard to avoid, particularly after a dodge ball dance number, but the outcome distinguishes this film from a run-of-the-mill teen flick. A few plot points are left unresolved (we never learn why Timothy’s father left, for instance), but the whimsy of the film distracts the viewer from them.
This film, though unrated, is an innocent love story appropriate for teen viewers. Winner of a number of honors, including a Critics’ Pick from the New York Times, this film is recommended.
Reviewed by, Caitlin Shanley
Instructional Design and Technology Librarian
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Lupton Library
