Hamlet (2009) (BBC)

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.

I think I've seen 4 different versions of Hamlet, and this version is so perfectly acted that I really could believe that the script came from the minds of the characters as they were struggling through the trials of the moment. The direction is flawless. David Tennant is every bit as handsome and eloquent as he is in his more popular roles and I would argue that his acting is even better. My wife flips out about the "synchronicity" of the supporting cast and the roles they have played. This version is meant to be a filmed presentation of a stage production, so most of the sets are minimal and stylized and it does not "look" like a big hollywood production, but most of the roughness of the stage is eliminated with a boost of cinematography and film-direction. The performance perfectly uses modern costume and set to highlight the dialogue and make the whole story more accessible to more casual viewers. Yes, it is Shakespear so the language is dense with expression and meaning but this time when I watched Hamlet, I really understood and connected to what was going on. This film is perfect for a night of drama in your home cinema, but if you are looking for a screening for a High School English class, this is the best option.

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.

For those of you who weren't aware - this isn't so much of a movie as it is a filming of a staged production. Don't expect elaborate sets, breathtaking backdrops, or dramatic effects. That's not where you'll find the beauty of this Hamlet (by the way - if that's what you're looking for, you might want to check out Kenneth Branagh's take on the classic). No, what makes this Hamlet memorable (and yes, beautiful) is that the ensemble of incredible actors were given the time-honored words, and then trusted with the space and the time necessary to breath emotional life into them. Nothing here felt rushed. We weren't shuffled from scene to scene in that very cinematic need to get-on-with-it-already. The pace never dragged, but we as the viewers were given every opportunity to get lost in the moment, to peek behind the curtain and find the truth behind the words. I'm a Hamlet lover - I own more movie versions of this particular play than I care to admit. Some of them are wonderful, some of them are terrible. This Hamlet just feels true. It is a study of human emotion and relationships outside of history. It feels timeless. It's easily one of the best Hamlets I have on my shelf

First off, to put this review in perspective, let me state that until now, I regarded "Hamlet" with dismay, merely because I was sick & tired of it. EVERY drama & English Lit class I ever took always chose "Hamlet" when doing Shakesperean tragedy, so you end up with a serious case of overkill. But being a fan of both David Tennant and Patrick Stewart, I HAD to see this. Am I ever glad I did! Now, David is my favorite Doctor (& I will miss him as Dr. Who, although I do like Matt Smith so far), but I was not aware until seeing "Hamlet" now just how truly amazing an actor he is. And speaking of amazing, let us not forget Patrick Stewart! This production showcases two fantastic actors in sterling performances. They make Shakespeare sound natural!!!! I like the updating to a more modern setting; it puts more focus on the characters. I also liked having Patrick play both Hamlet Sr. and Claudius - a nice touch, making them twin brothers. This is the first Royal Shakespeare Company production I think I've seen - it won't be the last. This is a "Hamlet" I will watch more than once - and that's saying something, considering.

If I'm totally honest, I didn't love Shakespeare until I watched this version of Hamlet. I took a Shakespeare class in college. I loved the idea of Shakespeare more than I actually enjoyed watching. Well, I should say, I mostly read Shakespeare up to that point, which is a shame! Shakespeare is meant to be watched. It is meant to be heard and felt through the actors portraying wonderfully complex and clever stories. Watching this version of Hamlet made me realize how Shakespeare was always intended to be experienced. (I know I was at home and not in a theater, but it still was amazing.) David Tennant and Patrick Stewart gave brilliant performances. There is a moment where you can see the crazy switch in Hamlet's eyes. It gave me chills. I was blown away by how powerful David Tennant's portrayal of Hamlet was. I have also seen the National Theater's version with Benedict Cumberbatch, and I have to say, this one is better. If you prefer the lighter side of Shakespeare, Much Ado about Nothing with Catherine Tate and David Tennant is a hilarious, thoroughly entertaining play.

Hamlet the play needs no introduction. It is at the very center of western art, let alone literature. The versions in film and stage are legion. Very few however qualify as game changers, Here's one that does. This is a Hamlet with a very modern spin; yes there are surveillance cameras. Even Hamlet, as played brilliantly by David Tennant, wears a T-shirt with a mock up of studly abs. Yup, that's right. However, before anyone rushes to judgement and fears the slaying of sacred cows; be forewarned, this is actually a very faithful in spirit, deeply psychological rendition. Tennant is joined by some amazing performances, including Patrick Stewart as a truly ambiguous Claudius, Olivier Ford Davies as a reinvigorated Polonius and Mariah Gale as tortured, confused Ophelia. If you seen Hamlet in various forms over the years, you will undoubtedly have a preference as to how a line should be uttered or a particular scene staged. What makes this version unique is that everything is obviously well thought out and consistent with its overall ambition and themes. This isn't just well done; it's inspired.It reinvents while staying true to the play. I applaud the courage and conviction in the choices that were made. I say this without hesitation; this is a great movie and an amazing addition to productions of an inexhaustibly great play.