For an iconic story that has been adapted into books and films, and other mediums of entertainment. And even though many film snobs like me complain about the lack of originality in cinema. The countless remakes and sequels being generated, especially with the Shakespeare classic Hamlet. However, among so many other adaptations of the classic, this 2009 TV movie aired on BBC, really stands out.
This 3 hour film surprisingly got Patrick Stuart in the role of Claudius/The Ghost of Hamlet's Father. And even though it's 3 hours, it's not boring. And though this film has a 3 hour runtime, it isn't too long.
It's the classic tale from Shakespeare in its purest form, a well written tragedy. More people might remember the 1948 version, or the 4 hour 1996 film, Mel Gibson's shot at it, as well as countless others. And while those are astonishingly good movies, this one is much better, and possibly the best ever Hamlet adaptation of all time. And not it's British, or only got a television release. It's because it was simply the best acted and written.
It's a chilling drama, that's able to keep you 100% invested. David Tennant adds so much to Prince Hamlet, he plays the character with such emotional range. Playing a man that was clearly broken on the inside by traumatic events, evident by the scene where the prince looked at his reflection in a broken mirror. But plays him with such lunacy, and such attention to his chaotic nature, jumping from one crazy thing to another with such effortlessness. Evident by lines of dialogue such as, "I do not understand that. Will you play upon this pipe?" The performance is down to Earth and believable. And at the same time, Tennant is able to never be boring, either in an over the top moment, or a quieter moment where he expressed more sadness in his acting. Whatever he was doing in the film, he always brought something to the film no other actor that has played Prince Hamlet of Denmark has done. Really helping in contributing to the movies different feel and style from other adaptations of its kind. Just look at other actors do it.
At the same time, Patrick Stewart as Claudius and Hamlet's father is also amazing. He is able to perform both roles with such ease. Delivering all his dialogue with astonishing attention to his emotions he's supposed to be feeling. I mean, watch this... Amazing, right? Now, look at him play Claudius... Again, the same great delivery, sometimes I just can't explain how stellar a performance is, and I can't just talk about it.
The movie is also, might I add, a visual spectacle. The sets are pristine, well crafted, and interesting to lay your eyes on. The shots are eye-catching and always something to rest your eyes on. Everything has a polished and stylized look to it, possibly representing Hamlet's view of the world. Seeing everything through that kind of lenses, but it collapsed as the film continued. Either way, it looks nice, and also convinces me this is the home of a king.
There's so much good in this film, that choosing my favorite scene in the film is a daunting task. There are scenes like The Death of Prince Hamlet, Patrick's Stewart's monologue to Hamlet in ghost form, or Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech. All these scenes feature acting, excellent visuals and great Shakespearean writing. Dialogue that sounds sophisticated, natural and on point. Characters I enjoyed watching, and a movie I adore.
The movie is heartbreaking, as well as of course...tragic. Ending on quite the downer with everyone dying. It keeps the themes of the story of Hamlet. Hamlet's iconic, and this film is iconic. What else can be said? It has compelling drama, stunning visuals, some of the best acting of any film period, and it adapts a Shakespearean tale with the utmost respect.
This 3 hour film surprisingly got Patrick Stuart in the role of Claudius/The Ghost of Hamlet's Father. And even though it's 3 hours, it's not boring. And though this film has a 3 hour runtime, it isn't too long.
It's the classic tale from Shakespeare in its purest form, a well written tragedy. More people might remember the 1948 version, or the 4 hour 1996 film, Mel Gibson's shot at it, as well as countless others. And while those are astonishingly good movies, this one is much better, and possibly the best ever Hamlet adaptation of all time. And not it's British, or only got a television release. It's because it was simply the best acted and written.
It's a chilling drama, that's able to keep you 100% invested. David Tennant adds so much to Prince Hamlet, he plays the character with such emotional range. Playing a man that was clearly broken on the inside by traumatic events, evident by the scene where the prince looked at his reflection in a broken mirror. But plays him with such lunacy, and such attention to his chaotic nature, jumping from one crazy thing to another with such effortlessness. Evident by lines of dialogue such as, "I do not understand that. Will you play upon this pipe?" The performance is down to Earth and believable. And at the same time, Tennant is able to never be boring, either in an over the top moment, or a quieter moment where he expressed more sadness in his acting. Whatever he was doing in the film, he always brought something to the film no other actor that has played Prince Hamlet of Denmark has done. Really helping in contributing to the movies different feel and style from other adaptations of its kind. Just look at other actors do it.
At the same time, Patrick Stewart as Claudius and Hamlet's father is also amazing. He is able to perform both roles with such ease. Delivering all his dialogue with astonishing attention to his emotions he's supposed to be feeling. I mean, watch this... Amazing, right? Now, look at him play Claudius... Again, the same great delivery, sometimes I just can't explain how stellar a performance is, and I can't just talk about it.
The movie is also, might I add, a visual spectacle. The sets are pristine, well crafted, and interesting to lay your eyes on. The shots are eye-catching and always something to rest your eyes on. Everything has a polished and stylized look to it, possibly representing Hamlet's view of the world. Seeing everything through that kind of lenses, but it collapsed as the film continued. Either way, it looks nice, and also convinces me this is the home of a king.
There's so much good in this film, that choosing my favorite scene in the film is a daunting task. There are scenes like The Death of Prince Hamlet, Patrick's Stewart's monologue to Hamlet in ghost form, or Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech. All these scenes feature acting, excellent visuals and great Shakespearean writing. Dialogue that sounds sophisticated, natural and on point. Characters I enjoyed watching, and a movie I adore.
The movie is heartbreaking, as well as of course...tragic. Ending on quite the downer with everyone dying. It keeps the themes of the story of Hamlet. Hamlet's iconic, and this film is iconic. What else can be said? It has compelling drama, stunning visuals, some of the best acting of any film period, and it adapts a Shakespearean tale with the utmost respect.