There were three ways that the Hamlet was so much better than others.
Diction, timing, support.
“Hamlet’s not a Shakespeare play, it’s a Mel Gibson movie.” (Reduced Shakespeare Company line).
Previously alluded to, the Kenneth Brannagh’s version is a good piece to watch before seeing the masterful rendition at the Old Vic.
Diction, the speech flows so natural, it’s not like a scripted piece of Elizabethan prosody. The timing was impeccable, and then, the supporting roles were well done. Loved Gertrude, but by the end, hated her, as she slipped into madness.
I don’t think I ever want to go to Denmark.
The way it worked, the opening scene, you know, Hamlet’s daddy’s dead, his mom cavorting with the uncle, now the dad, and so on? Right. Scene opens with Hamlet dressed in black, everyone else in white. The guy playing Hamlet (Ben Wishaw) evoked such emotional pain and distress with his physical posture, I was hooked in – immediately. From there, though, it’s sometimes difficult to maintain that hook with an audience.
He did.
Supporting roles were good. Which only let that one Hamlet shine even more.
Still, a breathless performance. Wow.
Pictures
“That a nice picture of your sister’s ass.”
“Desperation is the English way.” (Pink Floyd, Time, from Dark Side of the Moon)
American readers at risk.
Hamlet
Yeah, everyone’s seen it a time or two. Check Brannagh’s long movie epic (all the words) version. But the one at the Old Vic Theatre on Saturday night was nothing short of amazing. Once I recover my breath, I’ll write more.
