10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) 7/10
A special review of one of Heath Ledger’s earliest movies, in memory of one of the most talented young actors of our generation.
The year was 1999, and Heath Ledger was still largely unknown in America when he took on a leading role in 10 Things I Hate About You, which was just one of the many teen flicks that was mass produced during those years. But unlike many of those teen friendly flicks (eg She’s All That), 10 Things I Hate About You is a surprisingly sharp and enjoyable teen flick that punches above its weight. No wonder that Ledger got noticed, what with his smoldering looks and easy charisma.
Based in part on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, the film featured two relative unknowns at the time- Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles in the lead role. Julia Stiles in particular really impressed me with her strong screen presence and the film gets a great boost from the engaging chemistry between the main leads. Heath Ledger has a great smile and even early on, it was clear that he had potential. One of the best scenes in the movie has Ledger serenading “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” to Stiles. It is a goofy but oh so wildly exuberant sequence that puts many musicals to shame simply because of the verve the Ledger puts into the performance. Also notable is a supporting performance by a very young Joseph Gordon Levitt as well as memorable small roles by the adult characters such as the teacher who raps to Shakespeare.
Despite the teen cliches that abound and the largely predictable plot, the pairing of Ledger with Stiles is magic and the film ranks as one of the better teen flicks around, and is definately worth a look. And as one of Ledger’s earlier works, it hints of the potential he could have reached.
