“10 Things I Hate About You”, released in 1999 and directed by Gil Junger, quickly became a teenage cinema classic. Set in the fictional Padua High School, the film not only captivated audiences with its romantic plot but also stood out for several fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, the movie is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, “The Taming of the Shrew”. One of the most interesting tidbits is that Heath Ledger improvised the scene where he sings “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” on the school bleachers, winning over both Julia Stiles’ character and viewers’ hearts.

Moreover, director Gil Junger fostered a relaxed atmosphere on set, allowing actors to explore their characters authentically. This resulted in spontaneous dialogues and memorable scenes that capture the essence of teenage complexities. Another intriguing point is that the iconic poem scene by Kat, played by Julia Stiles, was actually written by the actress herself, adding a personal touch to the narrative.

With a vibrant soundtrack and a 90s aesthetic that continues to charm new generations, “10 Things I Hate About You” not only defines an era of teenage cinema but also remains an example of how love and self-discovery can flourish amidst the adversities of youth.

1 – THE SCENE WHERE KAT READS THE POEM WAS SHOT IN ONE TAKE

Fans of the movie will surely remember the scene where Kat becomes emotional while reciting a poem she wrote about Patrick during English class. According to Gil Junger, the director, in an interview with The New York Times in 2019, he revealed that Julia Stiles performed the recording in a single take. “It was a stunning performance.

That scene [in the film] is from the first take. I think I jumped up and hugged her for a long time,” the filmmaker said on that occasion.

2 – REAL LOCATIONS

The entire movie “10 Things I Hate About You” was filmed in Washington, D.C., United States. Some scenes in the film showcase local landmarks such as the Fremont Troll, a well-known public sculpture located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, seen during Bianca and Cameron’s outing. Another significant location is Stadium High School in Tacoma, where most of the story takes place.

3 – THERE ARE SEVERAL REFERENCES TO SHAKESPEARE

The movie is adapted from the play “The Taming of the Shrew” written by the renowned English playwright William Shakespeare. Additionally, various references to the author are included throughout the film, such as the names of the sisters Kat and Bianca Stratford, which are the same as the characters in the original work. Another interesting detail is that the surname of the sisters alludes to Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.

4 – IT WAS HEATH LEDGER’S FIRST AMERICAN FILM

Despite his premature death in 2008, the actor left an extensive legacy in cinema and television. Originally from Australia, Heath Ledger initially sought recognition in his native country. Before achieving worldwide fame with “10 Things I Hate About You,” he appeared in three films in the 1990s: “Blackrock” and “Two Hands.”

5 – TRUE FRIENDSHIPS

According to actor David Krumholtz, who plays Michael, the movie succeeded because the cast quickly developed genuine bonds of friendship. In fact, when filming began, Heath Ledger had not yet joined the cast, and there was a fear that he might disrupt the positive atmosphere that had developed. However, upon his arrival, he quickly befriended everyone, further uniting the cast.

6 – HEATH LEDGER CHOSE THE SONG “I CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOU”

One of the most memorable scenes in this American romantic comedy is when Patrick Verona, played by Heath Ledger, tries to express his feelings for Kat by performing Frankie Valli’s song “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” on the school bleachers while she’s in gym class. The choice of the song for this romantic moment was made by the actor himself, who not only sang the song live but also selected his own costume for the scene.

7 – UNBELIEVABLE COINCIDENCES

Regarding the song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” there’s a bizarre coincidence involving actors who sang this song on screen. Two other renowned names sang this song in movies and later portrayed Batman villains. Doubt it? Christopher Walken performed the song in “The Deer Hunter” and later was cast as Max Schreck in “Batman Returns.” The same happened with the amazing Michelle Pfeiffer, who sang the song in “The Fabulous Baker Boys” and later became Catwoman in “Batman Returns.” Lastly, Heath Ledger immortalized the song in “10 Things I Hate About You” and went on to make history in cinema as the Joker in “The Dark Knight”.

What’s even more curious is that Walken won an Oscar for “The Deer Hunter,” and Pfeiffer won one for “The Fabulous Baker Boys.” Though Ledger didn’t win for “10 Things I Hate About You,” he posthumously received an Oscar for “The Dark Knight.” In short, want to win an Oscar? Sing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

In conclusion, “10 Things I Hate About You” is not just a teenage romantic film; it’s a time capsule that captures the vibrant energy of the 90s. With its authentic performances and memorable dialogues, the film continues to resonate with audiences even decades after its release. Behind-the-scenes anecdotes, such as Heath Ledger’s brilliant improvisation in the musical scene and Julia Stiles’ creative contribution with Kat’s poem, highlight the collaboration and talent involved in creating this modern classic.

Furthermore, the clever adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” into the American high school context not only pays homage to the original work but also offers a fresh perspective on universal themes like love, friendship, and identity. The eclectic soundtrack perfectly complements the characters’ emotional highs and lows, contributing to the film’s nostalgic and energetic atmosphere.

In summary, “10 Things I Hate About You” remains a cultural touchstone, reminding us of the magic of first love, the complexities of adolescence, and the importance of being true to oneself. Whether for its lasting influence on cinema or its charming behind-the-scenes stories, this film stands as a cinematic treasure that transcends generations with its timeless message.