Review of Hamlet (1996) by Kristin B — 16 Jul 2008

Supposedly, this follows the Shakespeare script word for word (except for one word added (and that word was retarded)), which is quite a feat. Even though they talk a mile a minute in old-timey rhymey Shakespeare talk, it is still 4 hours long. I couldn't follow some of the dialog, since they talk faster than I think, but it was pretty interesting nonetheless.

As my boyfriend commented, it is interesting to hear all the famous quotes you didn't know were from Shakespeare.

The play format/style is very foreign to me, so it was hard for me to get involved in the story or really empathize with any of the characters. At the same time, I wasn't totally annoyed with the acting, which I usually am when I watch a play, so probably that means the acting is good :). I at least think I appreciated the performances of Gilderoy Lockhart, Charlton Heston, and whoever played Claudius. I didn't even feel the urge to punch Robin Williams in the face, which is my normal reaction to Mr. Patch Adams.

So, on the whole, worth watching if you want to be all cultured.