Review of Hamlet (1996) by Stuart K — 28 Jan 2009

Kenneth Branagh makes the definitive Shakespeare film adaptation of the Bard's most famous work. He keeps it's roots in the theatre, but at the same time, makes it look as epic as Lawrence of Arabia, and it has an excellent cast to it's name, all giving first class performances.

Branagh's Hamlet is set in Victorian times, where Elsinore Castle is a HUGE palace, it has Hamlet (Branagh), returning home to find that his father (Brian Blessed), has been murdered. Also, his mother Gertrude (Julie Christie) has married the murderer, King Claudius (Derek Jacobi), as Hamlet broods and plans his revenge, war is brewing in the outside world.

This is the first screen Hamlet to use the full text of the original play, and Branagh has a perfect visual eye. The sets, especially the throne room with all the mirrored doors and chequered floor, are beautiful.

Plus, the film is beautifully captured in Super 70mm by the great Alex Thomson, (he shoud have won an Oscar for that!!) Then there's the supporting cast, including Richard Briers, Michael Maloney, Kate Winslet, Billy Crystal, Gérard Depardieu, Robin Williams, Charlton Heston, Jack Lemmon, Rufus Sewell, Timothy Spall, Richard Attenborough, John Gielgud, Judi Dench and Ken Dodd as Yorick!! :D.