Hamlet (2009) (BBC)

People will differ as to the performances and to the better production. This modern version with a more contemporary look is shorter and more intimate than the Hamlet of Kenneth Branaugh. I have both and have viewed both. The older version by Branaugh is nearly 4 hours to the 3 hours here and is quite good in its way, but it is too much to my taste for the material. It has a slow and deliberate tread with grand scenery and multiple cameo performances. Such large scale extras are to the taste of many and they are well done, but I find the celebrity appearance by Robin Williams in a minor role intrusive where the minor figure destined to replace Polonius is given too much importance. Similarly Billy Crystal does a good job with a role that is surprising, but recognizing him as such takes one away from Elsinore to the extent which is problematic and a sound performance less prominent to the point of such a focus is dsitracting from another minor role. Beyond this the flashback to a version of Yorik wastes time where it is already squandered aplenty. Gerard Depardieu does an adequate job as a soldier in no useful manner and Jack Lemmon, in a late role is good, but again perhaps more of a distraction for the same reason as aplies to Crystal. The similar figures in this production do not get in the way of the action and particularly the dialogue. The performance of David Tenant seems more personal, moody and generally adolescent and appears more consistent with the Prince Hamlet placed for the challenges of his role. The soliloquies are handled very well, at least equal to those of Branaugh and the spare scenery brings the focus more on the players and less on the background. The communication of the rot of court life is more easily noted. Hamlet, to my understanding is an indictment of courtly manners and the insecurity of the backbiting nature of courtier-ship and the hard situation for maintaing one's status and reputation at court in the midst of nearly constant intrigue. Hamlet fails, but his failure is built in to his quest from the outset. It is not his failure to act as many contend which is his fall, but that he has neither the training nor the ability to meet his need as he has no grand strategy by which to protect his standing at court and no meaningful allies by which to manage the attacks possible from all sides. Merely killing his uncle might suffice for the short term, but it leaves him with a mother dostracted and largely holding herself free from her now grown son and only Horatio from his schooling who has any interest in his future. He has neither an advisor he can trust or an idea of a policy by which he might proceed if Claudius meets his maker. He is virtually without any manageable future, but impelled to act in some fashion royal when his training for such an end is all but absent to him. One can hardly depend on good fortune to manage the various grasping hands of all those about you without the experience and the trusted cohorts.

As a huge fan of Shakespeare's work, I was thrilled to catch the last half-hour of The Royal Shakespeare Company's most recent production of "Hamlet" on Great Performances. Also, as a huge fan of British sci-fi television phenomenon "Dr. Who", the sight of none other than David Tennant caused an exponential increase in my excitement. To top it all off, David Tennant was to act beside Patrick Stuart, and his artistically ingenious interpretation of Claudius. I decided almost immediately that I needed to own this theatrical masterpiece. So, naturally, I asked my mother to order it for me. (I am borrowing her account to write this, actually). After receiving my own copy of this version of "Hamlet" on DVD, I did not hesitate to begin watching it from the beginning. Although it took three hours and two minutes to actually watch it all the way through, it was worth it. This version of "Hamlet" is without a doubt the best interpretation I have ever seen. I have read William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" at least seven times, in its complete, unabridged form. However, the artistry and creativity with which this particular cast performed was utterly breathtaking. The flawless, witty, seamless delivery of classic lines gave me an unfamiliar feeling; this version of "Hamlet" almost made me feel as though I was watching a different play. The familiar quotes and story aside, I still internally shook with anticipation. I became so carried away in the brilliant acting, that I would hardly recognize my favorite play. That is not to say that one does not recognize "Hamlet" because of any change of script or detail from the original. The screenplay adhered almost exactly to William Shakespeare's intended version of this work. Considering the lack of changes in dialogue, the slight twist to the recognizable classic made for the perfect combination of poetic license and modesty. The faithfulness to the original play is remarkable, despite the few modern touches. The use of a gun, a switchblade, a hand-held video camera, and a security surveillance camera are the technologically advanced additions to this play. Although they are notable, they do not distract from the dialogue or the story unfolding. In fact, the surveillance cameras add the undetected, ominous impression of spying. In order to prevent spoilers, that is all I will say as far as the use of unconventional props. The set is comprised mostly of a black, mirrored room that is decorated accordingly for each scene. (This excludes the outdoor scenes, of course). This simple design is sophisticated and tasteful, and it gives the feeling of a traditional, theatrical setting. David Tennant deserves to be recognized in some way for his portrayal of Hamlet. As I previously stated, this story has such familiarity in the hearts of literature-junkies. Hamlet's character is one of the most contemplated characters in the history of modern English literature. Even after his journey, his true nature is unknown to the audience, and the characters surrounding him. Tennant is the quintessence of unpredictability as Hamlet. There are parts when he acts completely sane; normal, aside from the overwhelming grief. And, there are moments of a lovable, loopy sort of humorous madness. Then, of course, there are moments of raw fury. Of all the actors I have seen take on the role of Hamlet, David Tennant has been my favorite. His expressions, the emotions in his voice, the original and witty delivery of his dialogue, have redefined Hamlet's character. The next time I read "Hamlet", I will picture Tennant's delivery of Prince Hamlet's lines. Patrick Stuart also did a phenomenal job as the quintessence of evil, Hamlet's uncle Claudius. The cunning and malice with which he speaks, and the sophisticated delivery of his lines are uncannily chilling. Side-by-side, these two make the centerpiece for one of the greatest productions of "Hamlet" to date. I think it goes without saying that I definitely recommend this version of Hamlet. I recommend this particularly to those who wish to see a new, fresh, dramatically ingenious production of this classic. It is definitely worth the money, and worth your time to watch it. -Amelie Carter

I found the performances in this production incredible. Tennant's Hamlet is completely convincing. His grief, self-doubt, and moments of mania feel natural. Penny Downie's Gertrude seems vulnerable, an interesting interpretation. Oliver Ford Davies' Polonius is great, and the subtle interactions amongst Claudius, Gertrude, and Polonius are outstanding - these people have know each other for years. I also loved the dynamics amongst Polonius, Laertes, and Ophelia. They seemed to actually be a family. In the end, however, I was blown away by Stewart's Claudius. It was one of the most chilling portrayals I have seen, all the more powerful because it is so controlled. Stewart's Claudius is not an hysterical king who loses it at the play within the play, but a man who is completely in control. He owns that moment and is a threat to Hamlet, not the other way around. He seemed completely capable of calmly killing his brother and smiling while doing so. In the end, he drinks the poison because the game is up. Would it have been stronger to have Hamlet force it down his throat (he's already poisoned from the sword, his death's a done deal)? Or was it stronger to end the game on his own? Claudius is the villain of the play and a despicable human being, but Stewart's performance is fantastic.

This rendition of Hamlet is definitely my favorite! The whole thing is set in a modern timeline, but with a regal environment--the characters wear suits and dresses, and the set is grand and solemn (even if the characters aren't). David Tennant offers a brilliant performance as Hamlet--creative, energetic, moving, and highly emotional--And he steals the stage from the first soliloquy (oh that this too, too solid flesh would melt!). Especially moving is the "to be or not to be" speech, which is given in a hushed, agonized voice, with the camera zoomed in tight to his face. In fact, there are many interesting things done with the cinematography, and not least is the close-circuit security cameras occasionally watching as a scene unfolds. It lends the whole film an almost claustrophobic feel (true to the filmmakers intentions), as if eyes are watching everywhere, and one can never be sure whether a character is acting or sincere, lying or speaking the truth. To further heighten this symbolism, the sets are replete with mirrors, and the further the film progresses, the more mirrors are broken, shattered, and cracked, reflecting back eerie representations of reality. Next to David Tennant, the supporting roles are done equally well, especially Patrick Stewart's performance of Claudius/the ghost. Oliver Ford Davies is genuinely funny as the pompous Polonius,and Mariah Gale goes brilliantly mad as Ophelia. I genuinely lost myself in this performance, and before I knew it 3 hours had passed and the film was over. I loved it so much ran out and bought myself a copy, and watched it again about a week later.

Que dire? Du grand, du très grand Laurence Olivier.Une interprétation grandiose,magistrale ; les mots me manquent pour exprimer toute mon admiration pour cet extraordinaire acteur et je suis sure que vous qui lirez ces lignes succomberez a votre tour .Je n'était pas née à sa mort et je me réjouis qu'il soit possible de perpétuer son oeuvre.Bons frissons d'exaltation a tous...et achetez les yeux fermés le DVD des Hauts de Hurlevent....Ahhh Heathcliff !!

Il n'est pas nécessaire d'être un grand spécialiste des tragédies Shakespeariennes pour apprécier ce film. Réalisé à partir d'une version incomplète mais fidèle du texte, la perfection absolue des images évoque l'esthétique expressionniste allemande. Le jeu des acteurs, notamment celui de Laurence Olivier, est dans la tradition "classique" et la sonorité des phrases contribue de façon majeure au plaisir que l'on prend. Le travail de restauration en haute définition est impeccable et les "bonus" sont d'une grande intelligence. Merci notamment à Delphine Lemonnier-Texier pour la qualité de ses commentaires.

I have seen some Shakespeare plays that were so dull that I couldn't sit through them, this was not one of them. The way it was played and put on was incredible and it inspired my teenage daughter to want to watch more of Shakespeare's plays. That alone should recommend it! David Tennant plays an incredible Hamlet and Patrick Stewart does an amazing job. I watched it over and over and so did my daughter, who couldn't get enough. Be careful though, this plays only on players for the UK and does play on Canadian or US players. You will have to get a compatible one in order to see it on this video.

Super ! Fidèle à l'oeuvre écrite. Film très bien fait ✅ ^^