The cast is clearly notable but it’s the production values of Branagh’s “Hamlet” that makes it a perfect fit for Blu-ray. It’s a shame that the cast alone didn’t produce more interest at the box office. Robin Williams, Rufus Sewell, and even Billy Crystal effectively fill out one of the more remarkable ensembles of the ’90s. Not only does the film include one of our best actresses in Kate Winslet (who does a perfect Ophelia) but legends of the form like Sir Richard Attenborough, Julie Christie (as Gertrude), Judi Dench (as Hecuba), Gerard Depardieu (Reynaldo), Sir John Gielgud (Priam), Rosemary Harris, Charlton Heston, Derek Jacobi (Claudius), and Jack Lemmon (Marcellus). The ensemble of “Hamlet” looks even more impressive now than it did on the film’s release. Luckily, the supporting cast and every notable technical element of the production makes up for Branagh’s miscasting of himself. He’s certainly not bad, but his direction is more laudable than his acting and most versions of “Hamlet” are remembered for their lead performance - Lawrence Olivier, Ralph Fiennes, and even David Tennant have completely made the role their own. I think Branagh’s a great actor but he was 35 by the time he shot “Hamlet” and he just feels too old for the role.
In the film’s biggest misstep, Branagh himself plays the title role. Hamlet was released on Blu-ray on August 17th, 2010 Consequently, it runs over four hours long and contains a number of scenes and dialogue exchanges that you’ve probably never seen if you’ve only seen two-hour versions of this tale of murder, revenge, and tragedy. It’s a fantastic release.ĭo we need to recap the plot of “Hamlet”? The most notable thing about Branagh’s version in that sense is that it’s a completely unabridged version of Shakespeare’s longest play.
And yet this gorgeous, incredibly-made retelling of one of the most influential pieces of theater ever written looks simply amazing on Blu-ray. In the shadow of not just the legend of William Shakespeare’s play but the incredible film versions that had come before, “Hamlet” couldn’t even break $5 million at the box office.
CHICAGO – Kenneth Branagh’s “Hamlet” got a raw deal.
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