Hamlet - Criterion Collection
by Laurence Olivier
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Eileen Herlie, Esmond Knight, Laurence Olivier, Peter Cushing, Stanley HollowayDirector: Laurence Olivier
Brand: Image Entertainment
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Subtitled)
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: Pan & Scan, 1.33:1
Running Time: 155 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2000-09-19
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Criterion
Movie Reviews of Hamlet - Criterion Collection
Movie Review: "This is the tragedy of a man who could not make up his mind"
Summary: 5 Stars
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"So oft it chances in particular men
That, for some vicious mole of nature in them,
By the o'ergrowth of some complexion,
Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason;
Or by some habit grown too much;--that these men,--
Carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect,
Their virtues else,--be they as pure as grace,
Shall in the general censure take corruption
From that particular fault."
The above is found on-screen and read to us at the beginning of this movie. This film is an interesting interpretation of William Shakespeare's (1564 to 1616) play "Hamlet" (written circa 1600). (By the way, the above lines are found in Act 1 Scene 4 of the play.)
This movie was produced and directed by the legendary Lawrence Olivier who also stars in it as Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: "a scholar, gentleman, and idealist, thrust by fate and by social demands into the role of bloody avenger which his soul abhors." (Olivier, aged 41 when he took on the role, also utters at the movie's beginning, the non-Shakespearean quotation that titles this review.)
This movie cuts out the political elements of Shakespeare's play (so some characters are removed especially Fortinbras {who is mentioned though} as well as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern). The result is an intensely psychological version of the play (where nearly half the dialogue of the original play is eliminated).
Now the fact is, people either like or dislike this movie. I liked it because it concentrated on the psychological elements of the play and it is not (thank goodness!!) overly long. Those who dislike it are usually purists that point out that the characters I mentioned above (and some other minor ones) are eliminated. Personally, I did not miss these characters because this movie is so absorbing and interesting.
The acting is, in a word--excellent. Olivier does a good job but I have to give kudos to all the actors since they all give convincing and articulate performances. I should mention Jean Simmons (aged 18 at the time) who brings Hamlet's girlfriend, Ophelia, convincingly to life.
(Look for future horror actors Christopher Lee in an unaccredited role and Peter Cushing in his first major movie role.)
Other things to look for are the background music, cinematography, scenery (especially castle scenery), and the period costumes.
This movie won four Academy Awards including Best Actor and Best Picture. Olivier is the only actor to win such an award in a Shakespearean role.
Finally, the DVD itself (Criterion Collection released in 2000) is perfect in picture and audio quality. This film probably looks better than when it was first shown in theatres over sixty years ago. There are no extras.
Bottom Line:
This movie is a worthy addition to the Bard's cinematic canon.
(1948; 2 hrs, 30 min; black and white; full screen; 27 scenes)
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Summary of Hamlet - Criterion Collection
Studio: Image Entertainment Release Date: 09/19/2000 Run time: 155 minutesIn the opening scene of Hamlet (1948), Laurence Olivier's voice-over describes the play as "the tragedy of a man who couldn't make up his mind." But Olivier's screen adaptation is considerably more thoughtful and complex than this thesis would suggest. Drawing on his experience playing the prince on stage at Elsinore in 1937, the legendary thespian provides the film with the patina of greatness and shows how the constitution of the formerly cheerful prince weakens increasingly under the burden of his own thoughts and inability to accept his mother's hasty marriage to uncle Claudius (Basil Sydney). As Ophelia, Jean Simmons captures the character's early spirit better than her gradual disintegration. Purists may bemoan the loss of Fortinbras, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern, but these choices allow Olivier to focus more squarely on Hamlet's plight. The winner of four Oscars? (Best Picture, Actor, Art Direction, and Costumes), this is a Hamlet for the ages. The rest is silence. --Kevin Mulhall
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