Yar, you be here: Hamlet > Customer Reviews

Hamlet Customer Reviews (31 - 33 of 46 Reviews)

What a show!
While this version of Hamlet tends to skimp on the actual text, Mel Gibson puts on a great show here. The standout performance for me is Glenn Close's performance as Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. What this version of Hamlet has that I feel is lacking from some of the other film versions is the setting--the remoteness and authenticity of the castle sets the scene perfectly for the mood of the film. But STUDENTS, BE WARNED: if you're trying to skip out on reading the play for class and are planning on watching the movie instead, THIS IS NOT THE VERSION TO DO SO.

The finest current edition of the play now available.
Mel Gibson's Hamlet was controversial from the start with many arguing that "Mad Max" had no business portraying the melancholy Dane. Gibson's portrayal, however, is remarkable, and the support he receives from numerous outstanding performances by other cast members makes this a thrilling and fast paced film. The sets and panoramic beauty are brilliantly rendered. While Olivier's Hamlet is certainly riveting and powerful, modern audiences may find it somewhat dated. Gibson breathes life into the role and the play. As a college English teacher, I have shown this film to hundreds of students over the past few years, and they share my enthusiasm. Purists may find fault in Gibson's portrayal, but the bard himself understood better than anyone that theatre must entertain. This version does that and so much more. It remains a pleasure to watch, even for someone who has seen it innumerable times.

Been Waitin' for This
I've been waiting for this version of HAMLET to hit DVD for years now and I'll be one of the first in line to buy it. I'm also glad to see that they're including some extras.

This was the first Shakespeare film to really bring one of his plays to life for me. Stripped down, but accessible. If I talk to anyone about checking out one of the Bard's plays, I always point them this way. Snobs may sniff away, but this is a HAMLET for an audience looking for drama--the same folks who stood in the pit of the Globe 400 years ago.

Mel Gibson is one of those rare actors who brings an emotional intensity to a role that can overwhelm his considerable physical presence. That's definitely on display in HAMLET. His grief and rage and confusion threaten to push him over the edge, even as he plots to expose his father's murderer, Hamlet's own uncle.
The rest of the cast is wonderful: Glenn Close, the late Alan Bates, Helena Bonham Carter. It was a thrill to see the great Shakespearean actor Paul Scofield as the ghost of Hamlet's father.

Hollywood and the Theatre both owe Franco Zefferilli a debt of gratitude: he introduced Shakespeare to new generations of fans (who didn't watch his ROMEO AND JULIET in high school?) and connected the Bard to modern events (casting Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during Le Scandal in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW was inspired).

If you're curious about watching one of Shakespeare's plays and you never have, try this one.

Previous Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Next Page