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 confess that when I first viewed this DVD, seeing perhaps the first two scenes before falling asleep, I was not especially impressed, because Tennant's initial surly Hamlet seemed to be just a petulant kid in comparison to the likes of Branagh, Burton, and Olivier. But that's the point, and that's the genius of this production. Here, we finally have an actor who can convincingly look and act the age of Hamlet, who has barely reached the age of 21 and still a college student. After he meets the spirit on the battlements, Tennant reaches his stride. In fact, the scene where he meets the specter of his father (played by Patrick Steward, who also plays his uncle) is done for the first time in such a way as we understand the charge given by the specter to Hamlet.This is a benefit of the fact that I believe this production has almost every word Shakespeare wrote. The full Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern subplot is here, and we get the fullest sense of the air that all of the Danish royal family have become unstuck from reality, and time and space are not what they should be. It is hard to pinpoint exactly where Hamlet's make believe madness turns into real madness. It may be when he kills Polonius, and thinks little of it, while acting entirely inappropriately towards his mother. The clue there is that is when he first breaks a mirror.The modern (or at least early 20th century) setting does not put off one bit. In fact, one of the few inventive pieces of business which take advantage of this is that Hamlet kills Polonius with a revolver rather than with a sword or dagger. His sword is also replaced by a rather lethal looking switch blade.Aside from Tennant and Stewart, there are no famous names and faces in the cast; however, all carry their parts quite well. One of the delights, as usual, is the business carried out by the visiting troupe of actors. Unlike some productions, the pantomime scene is included, before the full "Murder of Gonzago" is presented with Hamlet's added speech. Two scenes which seem to come off with less force is the gravedigger scene and the final fencing scene. Other productions have had brilliant comedians play the gravedigger. This actor was merely competent (although the business with which it was done had some very droll touches. I must note that Mariah Gale did an interpretation which is totally different from the frail, dutiful daughter done by Jean Simmons in Olivier's production or the freer and more limber Kate Winslet in Branagh's production. One might almost consider her a tom boy.The director, Gregory Doran earned his pay with this production. The sense of something being rotten in Denmark starts early and builds to the famous murderous climax.The setting is perfect as a modern royal castle of a smaller royal family. It has none of the over the top expanse of Branagh and the gloomy ill lit damp rooms by Olivier.

Always wary of modern dress versions of W.S. because of the dis+Always waty of modern dress versions of W.S. because of the dissonance between the 16th century words - the main point of appreciating Shakespeare - and the 21st century dress, but this is generally an interesting production with David Tennant giving it his all.But did not approve of Patrick Stewart playing both the Ghost of Hamlet's father and his brother Claudiusthe KIng. The whole action of the play hinges on the instructions by the Ghost to his son Hamlet to revenge his murder, so you really have to have a clear distinction between the two players - in effect it "Good versus Evil".

I've never had more than a grudging respect for Tennant as an actor, but I'm forced to admit that he's the definitive Hamlet of his generation. In comparison, the recent much-praised Cumberbatch effort was pedestrian. Tennant brings out the bitter wit, the conceits and the wordplay like nobody else; he's the Hawkeye Pierce of Hamlets, mercurial, brilliant and unbalanced, and intelligent enough to have thought up all those incredible speeches - so many actors sound like they're quoting something they don't actually understand. The perfect Hamlet is supported by Stewart's outstanding Claudius; the biggest surprise, however, is a wonderful Polonius who steals every scene he's in. Everybody involved has taken the trouble to think about what the lines actually mean. The result is the best interpretation I've seen in 40 years of enthusiastic Hamlet-collecting.

Bought this with the refund from the BBC store when it shut down. This is my favourite recording of Hamlet (the NT stage production with Rory Kinnear is my all-time favourite) and I enjoy both David Tennant and Patrick Stewart's performances. If you haven't seen Hamlet, or if you want to introduce someone to it for the first time - this is a great choice. Excellent production by the Beeb

I am not a huge reader or fan of shakespeare.I find much of it heavy and confusing. However i was intrigued by Hamlet and began to read it and found it surprisingly easy (especially in comparison to at least parts of his other works)As it was not on at the globe i bought this recommended by a friendAlthough i have to say i was put off by the modern clothes.. however they DO do this well and it is not particularly distracting (apart from the red muscle t-shirt..?!)You need not buy any other version.David Tennants acting is amazing, i also especially liked the Queen played by Penny Downie. The King is played by Patrick Stewart which i was not aware when i bought it. As (i believe) the whole cast are Shakespearian actors you know they are well practised and you couldn't hope for better.It is well shot with the suggestion of a stage but the advantages of film and a subtle soundtrack.Its very emotional and thrilling story of grief, love, madness and betrayal. With this i can easily see why it is seen as one of the best. And has certainly become my favourite.All in all for Under £5 this is the best bargain you will ever come by!It is worth it's weight in gold.:)

As a production of Hamlet, this is very very good. It takes a very definite interpretation, namely that Hamlet's madness is a calculated step and pushes it through. The performances are uniformly excellent. Oliver Ford Davies is a delightfully pedantic and tedious Polonius, Edward Bennett as Laertes brings the words "his father's son" to life, Mariah Gale is a suitably tragic Ophelia and Penny Downie fully brings out the conflicts between mother, wife and woman. Patrick Stewart is a very good Claudius, he as ever gives the Patrick Stewart performance, but fortunately he is very good at it. And so the big question - does Tennant cut it as Hamlet. For me he does, and there is one aspect of his performance which really nails the part. Yes, he finds the humour in the part, but even more so, he finds the pain behind the humour, to be cliched, we are seeing the tears of the clown. When I saw this production in Stratford I found myself wanting to scream at the audience, "Don't laugh it's too painful".It is interesting to compare this DVD with the play in stratford, for example the strong mirror-imagery of the stage is here replaced by a recurring theme of observation through CCTV. But overall the comparison is to the detriment of DVD, not just this one, but all DVDs based on stage productions. The essential excitement of sitting in a room with the actors there in front of you can never be repeated on screen.So for what it is, this DVD is excellent and definitely recommended, it just can't compare with the stage.