Review of Hamlet (1996) by Barnaby E — 01 Feb 2009
The grand-daddy of all Shakespeare adaptations that have hit the silver screen. I was bowled over by the spectacle of this when I first saw it on the big screen. It looks amazing and it's beautifully filmed and edited.
The acting is generally of a high standard, with a few slips here and there (Jack Lemmon, of all people, struggles with the language of the Bard). But, this is a true epic - in scale, verve, size, and storytelling.
It's been said it's 'self-indulgent' but, if so, then it's something that everyone should indulge in. It's a loooong film that feels like it runs normal length, which is a great accolade.
Branagh has never been better on film, in acting and directing duites. He brings out the best in those around him. For sheer scope and faithfulness, this tops the lot. It's obviously not as fun and frivolous as Branagh's 'Much Ado About Nothing' but it's on a par with it for watchability and the way it helps those that avoid Shakespeare like the plague to understand why he is lauded as the greatest wordsmith ever.
This review of Hamlet (1996) was written by Barnaby E on 01 Feb 2009.
Hamlet has generally received positive reviews.
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