Review of Hamlet (1996) by Joshua B — 11 Jul 2009

Kenneth Branagh's epic line-for-line textual translation of Shakespeare's masterpiece edges out Lawrence Olivier's 1948 version as the best adaptation of Hamlet.

I loved Branagh's decision to update the play's physical dimension from its typical era to a more colorful time where characters and settings are awash in lavish period costumes (Claudius in red, Hamlet in black, and Laertes in white, interestingly) and beautiful baroque architecture. He gives the story a visual flair that Franco Zeffirelli forewent and Olivier's black and white restriction didn't allow in previous versions. Branagh balances his decision to keep every line intact with the illusion of speeding up the pacing by taking advantage of the medium of film to play out the story in all its cinematic glory. We get Fortinbras -- who is cut from most adapations -- which grants the story an important political dimension, yet it still feels like Branagh is keeping Hamlet's personal tragedy as the focus. Some viewers -- especially Shakespeare purists -- may be put off by his decision to show (his own interpretation of events) rather than to let the words speak for themselves -- especially in taking for granted the sexual relationship of Hamlet and Ophelia -- but it is this decision that keeps the film from feeling like it actually is four hours long. Granted, those who don't have the patience for a four-hour film probably don't have the patience for Shakespeare's language either so maybe this isn't their film to begin with. I for one found Branagh's style and pacing a refreshing marriage of show and tell.

Branagh himself helms a fantastic cast featuring almost entirely very recognizable actors. Julie Christie, Derek Jacobi, and Kate Winslet shine with the bulk of the lines as Gertrude, Claudius, and Ophelia, respectively. And the calibre of actors who are given single scenes or mere cameos is impressive, from Billy Crystal as the gravedigger and Robin Williams as Osric to Rosemary Harris and Charleton Heston as the player Queen and King. It is Branagh in the title role, though, who gives the prince all the flamboyant and mad glory that I think Shakespeare intended and Hamlet as a character -- tortured and obsessed as he is -- requires.

The definitive film version of Hamlet, an epic tragedy that everyone should see.