Shakespeare has an insight into the human condition unparalleled by anyone in literature prior or since. The lead, Lawrence Olivier, can say the words written by the man of the millennium as if he is thinking them himself for the first time. This formidable combination transcends the centuries.
We join the Danish royal family and soon learn of their earthly struggles. Prince Hamlet’s father King Hamlet dies of a mystery illness and just a month later his mother Gertrude moves on with the late King’s brother Claudius. Grim. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the ghost of King Hamlet then appears in the castle and tells Prince Hamlet that he was in fact murdered by his poisonous brother. The newly blended family is going to struggle.
Hamlet is understandably a bit angry and maladjusted for the remainder of the film. He is determined to find out the truth and enact revenge. You find yourself gripped and routing for the tragic protagonist. The 16th century words are masterfully put together and take you to somewhere you’re not used to on Netflix or even Amazon Prime.
It's as great a story as has ever been told. The only reason it doesn’t top this list is because it was designed for the Globe Theatre rather than a 21st century television screen. As a result, it doesn’t quite fit effortlessly on the eye and ear. But still – it’s as good a screen adaptation of Shakespeare as you will ever see.
Rating:
9/10
Reflections:
1. Learning the truth can drive a man necessarily near to insanity.
2. All humans, for all of our hopes, dreams, loves and laughter are ultimately turned to dust. Live your life now.
Oscar Best Picture Rankings:
1. Casablanca (1943)
2. Rebecca (1940)
3. Lost Weekend (1945)
4. Hamlet (1948)
5. How Green Was My Valley (1941)
6. Gone With the Wind (1939)
7. Mrs. Miniver (1942)
8. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
9. Wings (1928)
10. Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)
11. You can’t take it with you (1938)
12. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
13. Cimarron (1931)
14. Grand Hotel (1932)
15. It Happened One Night (1934)
16. Gentleman’s Agreement (1947)
17. Cavalcade (1933)
18. The Life of Emile Zola (1937)
19. Going My Way (1944)
20. The Great Ziegfeld (1936)
21. The Broadway Melody (1929)
With credit to the patrons of the Best Picture Film Club:
Dr Sophie Bloomfield
Dr Caspar Briault
Dr Fionnuala Durrant
Yes, you can tell that it's a filmed play designed for the theatre, not the screen, but you can see how Lawrence Olivier became to be considered the leading actor of his day. Great review, Joe 👍