Trevor Nunn's (1996) adaptation of Twelfth Night illustrates the complexity of Feste's character and how important he is to the overall play. Ben Kingsley, the actor, presents Feste as a nice and gentle ensemble figure. It is Feste who allows the audience to see the film's respect for the original work and the issues existing within it. This includes the helplessness of women and the attractive, yet dangerous qualities of altering one's true sexual identity. Interestingly, unlike the original script, Nunn opens his first scene with Feste watching Viola struggle to reach shore after the shipwreck she suffered. In this context, Kingsley's Feast is revealed for the first time. He is shown as a mysterious and isolated individual, standing far away, waiting and watching, high up among the towering cliffs. He simply chuckles and hums a tune as he silently watches Viola cry. He has no facial expression, neither tearful nor auspicious, and his physical appearance does not represent an ordinary jester in Elizabethan times. In consideration of Feste's silent observation of Viola, a sort of connection between the two characters can be hypothesized. Since he is a compassionate man, he is not surprised by what the world has evolved into nor does he accept its change. She shows interest in the obstacles Viola faces as a woman stranded on unfamiliar terrain and questions her ability to remain strong after witnessing the brutal loss of her brother. However, what seems to capture his attention is her ability to maintain the role of a man in a country at war. The real question running through his mind is: can he do it? It is through this that Feste's knowledge of women's ability to achieve beyond their limited p... middle of paper......ty can be seen. Since it is part of both the main and secondary plots, it unites the different scenes of the play, guiding the audience to analyze the different characters and their unsuspecting personalities. It also helps the characters themselves by making them realize how silly some of their behaviors truly are. It awakens Olivia from her ridiculous and unrealistic mourning over her brother's death, makes Orsino realize how foolish he is for being lovesick for a woman who doesn't love him in return, and makes Malvolio look like a crazed lunatic. William and Sylvan Barnett. Shakespeare's classic complete seal. General Editor: Sylvan Barnet. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1972. Print. Twelfth Night. Director Trevor Nunn. Perf. Helena Bonham Carter, Richard E. Grant and Imogen Stubbs. Fine Line Features, 1996. Videotape.