Jaques (As You Like It) Jaques (As You Like It) Jaques () is one of the main characters in Shakespeare's "As You Like It". The 'Melancholy Jaques', as he is known, is one of Duke Senior's noblemen who lives with him in the Forest of Arden (or Ardennes). The role has long been a favourite for famous Shakespearean actors. Jaques' distinguishing characteristic is his unmitigated cynicism. He is the only purely contemplative character in Shakespeare. He thinks, and does nothing. His whole occupation is to amuse his mind, and he is totally regardless of his body and his fortunes. Hazlitt describes him as "the prince
As You Like It (2006 film) to win a major US award for acting in one of Branagh's Shakespeare films, though some of his others have won critics' awards for the acting in them. Likewise, Bryce Dallas Howard received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress in a Made-for-TV Film or Miniseries, but did not win the award. As You Like It (2006 film) As You Like It is a 2006 film written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, and based on the Shakespearean play of the same name. It stars Bryce Dallas Howard as Rosalind, David Oyelowo as Orlando De Boys, Romola Garai as Celia,