10 Things I Hate About You has achieved cult status over the years, as new fans seem to develop with each passing journey around the sun. The story of the Stratfords is captivating, funny, and sweet to its many devotees.
Fans of the movie know it is based on Shakespeare's The Taming Of The Shrew, and some say 10 Things I Hate About You is one of the best Shakespeare adaptations. However, there are other details from the making of the movie many audiences might not know. Some of these facts perhaps give viewers a whole new appreciation for the modern classic.
Real Bands Play In The Movie
There are several scenes in 10 Thing I Hate About You featuring rock bands. When Patrick Verona meets Kat Stratford at Club Skunk, she can be seen dancing along to a band before going to grab "aqua." The band playing is in real life, 90s rock group Letters To Cleo.
Letters To Cleo can be seen performing on a rooftop during the end credits of the movie. Some of its members also perform alongside the ska band Save Ferris during the prom sequence in the film's finale.
There Are Several Shakespearean References
It's unimpressive to know that 10 Things I Hate About You is based on a Shakespeare play. However, there are several easter eggs making reference to details in Shakespeare's works throughout the movie. Bianca and Kat are named after the characters they are based on.
However, Patrick is given the last name Verona, the birthplace of the character he is based on. Furthermore, Kat and Bianca's last name is Stratford, a reference to Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon.
It Was Heath Ledger's First American Movie
Heath Ledger may have become an American icon by the time of his early passing, but the Australian took some time before appearing in an American production. 10 Things I Hate About You is his first American movie.
It is his fifth feature film role. Before appearing in the picture, he took on roles in Clowning Around, Blackrock, Paws, and The Interview. Each of these titles are Australian productions released between 1992 and 1999.
There Are Quotes From Shakespeare In The Script
Some nods to William Shakespeare are more noticeable than others in 10 Things I Hate About You. Fans of the legendary playwright might notice when actual lines from his works are lifted in the movie. At the beginning of the movie, Cameron James uses The Taming of the Shrew line, "I pine, I burn, I perish."
His buddy Michael Eckman later says, "sweet love, renew thy force," a line from an unrelated Shakespear sonnet. Furthermore, audiences hear a performance of Nick Lowe's "Cruel To Be Kind" during the prom sequence, a title in reference to a Hamlet line.
Health Ledger Chose His Song
10 Things I Hate About You is one of Heath Ledger's highest-rated movies. Perhaps Heath Ledger's most iconic sequence comes with his performance of "Can't Take My Eyes off You," by Frankie Valli on the school bleachers.
Fans might not know Ledger was instrumental in the construction of this sequence. Independent reported that the actor was this one to choose the song over other options like "I Think I Love You," by the Partridge Family.
It Was The Writers' First Screenplay
Many viewers fall in love with 10 Things I Hate About You thanks to its well-written characters and curated dialogue. Fans might not know that the movie represents the first feature effort from its writers.
Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith wrote the movie. The two would go on to write other cult teen movies of the time like Legally Blonde, as well as The House Bunny, and The Ugly Truth.
Kate Hudson and Katie Holmes Almost Starred
It's hard to imagine 10 Things I Hate About You without its spirited cast of performers like Julia Stiles and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. However, things could have gone very differently.
W reported that several other notable stars were in the running for the main cast. Kate Hudson and Katie Holmes were well-liked for the part of Kat. Other stars of the time like Eliza Dushku and Josh Hartnett were screen-tested.
It Was Shot On Location
It is perhaps obvious for viewers from the Pacific Northwest in the U.S., but may be news to others: 10 Things I Hate About You was shot on location in Washington. Notable sights of the area can be seen, including a few landmarks.
Travelers perhaps recognize the Freemont Troll Bianca and Cameron visit in Seattle. The impressive high school the characters attend is a real school – Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington.