Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Gary Oldman, Livio Badurina, Richard Dreyfuss, Tim Roth, Tomislav MareticBrand: Image Entertainment
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Special Edition, Surround Sound, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 117 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-03-22
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Image Entertainment
Movie Reviews of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead
Movie Review: Witty, thought-provoking, entertaining.
Summary: 5 Stars
It is uncommon to find films with such high-caliber wit and which demand such intelligent participation on the part of the viewer. Participation, in the sense of giving it your full attention and listening carefully to what is said, paying close heed to visual cues, being alert to symbols, patterns, and allusions. It is even more uncommon, in my experience, to encounter such a sophisticated film done in English language.
That is why I am more than ever glad to chime in to add my praise to a film which has already garnered so many positive reviews. It seems to me there was not a wasted scene in this film. Each set, each bit of dialog is in some sense a criticism or exploration of the themes of Shakespeare's "Hamlet". The original play is turned inside out by having the emphasis shifted from Hamlet,with his self-absorbed tortured musings onto the two very minor characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern(Gary Oldman and Tim Roth).
These two somewhat roguish, somewhat naive, somewhat likable characters are also, as Hamlet is with his, trying to sort out the meanings and purposes behind their existential predicaments; but not having Hamlet's eloquent ability to formulate these questions, they mostly wander around in a state of befuddlement. Richard Dreyfuss, as leader of a roving troupe of actors seems to be an agent of Fate(or could he be a representation of the famous playwright, himself?), a Fate which is relentless in its insistence that every human drama be played out to its inevitable end.
Moreover, Fate, in its personification in Dreyfuss seems to exact its dues with a sardonic humorous satisfaction. The dialog is clever. The interaction between Rosencrantz' and Guildenstern's story and that of the original "Hamlet" is witty and engaging and sure to capture the imagination of anyone who is an admirer of Shakespeare's play. The cinematography is great. The music represents the action perfectly, and the soundtrack is full of background sounds of nature. The sets are very authentic-seeming, and support the mood of the film wonderfully. In short, its a great film. But its also a film that requires alert participation, rather than passivity, in order to enjoy that greatness.
Summary of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead
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