Review of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1991) by Haydon K — 16 Nov 2011

Putting Tim Roth and Gary Oldman together in a movie is one of the most brillant ideas in film. This movie could be a complete pile of garbage and it still would be worth watching for that pairing. Luckily for us though it was still a work of genius.

Based on a play that was created by the film's director; so you know you aren't getting another guy completely turning this into a bastard. And with such a small film that has become a hidden gem (which completely works in everybodies favor) you know no big studio wasn't there adding in what they wanted.

You are getting a labor of love. Exactly what was intended. Taking such a tragedy like Hamlet and turning it completely around and putting the main story in the background and focusing on the two minor characters was extremely well done and handled with great execution.

Their talks about death and philosophy was modern but very close to Shakespeare, visuals that show physics in work, and the best scene is where they play tennis. But instead of a ball they have to talk to each other only using questions.

It was almost like watching an old Abbot and Costello routine. All the dialouge is in more of a modern tone but then they'll slip into Shakespearean with wonderful transition whenever the scene actually intersects with the play Hamlet.

If you enjoy tongue in cheek comedy and Hamlet this is for you. Two more things... Richard Dreyfuss... his best performance. Didn't think his Hooper would ever become second best. And I demand that Gary Oldman and Tim Roth work together one more time.

Best pairing of actors. Just as great as Newman/Redford or De Niro/Pesci.