Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (1980) is a BBC video production, directed by Rodney Bennett. Between 1978 and 1985, the BBC produced all 37 of Shakespeare's plays for British television. They are now available on DVD.
This Hamlet was a studio production. BBC chose not to film on location, or to film a stage production. Instead, the director relied on generic sets that convey the sense, if not the details, of the setting of each scene. The decision worked well. We're not distracted from the drama by quirky, anachronistic details, or by the dramatic architecture of Elsinore Castle.
The principle actors are all highly skilled Shakespearean professionals--Derek Jacobi as Hamlet, Claire Bloom as Gertrude, and Patrick Stewart as Claudius.
Derek Jacobi was 42 years old when he starred in this production. (Shakespearean scholars disagree about Hamlet's age. Some argue that he was 30, but most believe that he was under 20.) Jacobi's age could have posed a problem, but his talent, and his lithe, youthful manner carried him through. Claire Bloom, at age 49, was so beautiful that you could believe that Claudius would murder a king in order to possess her. However, to my mind, the acting honors go to Patrick Stewart. His King Claudius is the embodiment of Machiavelli's Prince--ruthless, intelligent, and calm in a crisis. When Claudius speaks, people believe what he's telling them, even when he's lying. As portrayed by Stewart, Claudius is always acting--we never hear a sincere word from him except during his soliloquy. Stewart's performance is the best portrayal of Claudius that I've ever seen.
This was the only filmed Shakespearean performance by Lalla Ward, who played Ophelia. However, Ward's ethereal beauty and solid acting skills enabled her to keep pace with the veterans. (Dr. Who fans will recognize Ward as the actor who portrayed Romana II between 1979 and 1981.)
This movie presents us with good, solid Shakespeare. It's a very satisfying production, and definitely worth seeing. The BBC Shakespeare series was particularly popular for use in schools, colleges, and public libraries. The DVD's are expensive to purchase individually, although the boxed sets are reasonably priced. My suggestion is to check the DVD out of your local or college library, and treat yourself to over two hours of excellent Shakespeare.
This Hamlet was a studio production. BBC chose not to film on location, or to film a stage production. Instead, the director relied on generic sets that convey the sense, if not the details, of the setting of each scene. The decision worked well. We're not distracted from the drama by quirky, anachronistic details, or by the dramatic architecture of Elsinore Castle.
The principle actors are all highly skilled Shakespearean professionals--Derek Jacobi as Hamlet, Claire Bloom as Gertrude, and Patrick Stewart as Claudius.
Derek Jacobi was 42 years old when he starred in this production. (Shakespearean scholars disagree about Hamlet's age. Some argue that he was 30, but most believe that he was under 20.) Jacobi's age could have posed a problem, but his talent, and his lithe, youthful manner carried him through. Claire Bloom, at age 49, was so beautiful that you could believe that Claudius would murder a king in order to possess her. However, to my mind, the acting honors go to Patrick Stewart. His King Claudius is the embodiment of Machiavelli's Prince--ruthless, intelligent, and calm in a crisis. When Claudius speaks, people believe what he's telling them, even when he's lying. As portrayed by Stewart, Claudius is always acting--we never hear a sincere word from him except during his soliloquy. Stewart's performance is the best portrayal of Claudius that I've ever seen.
This was the only filmed Shakespearean performance by Lalla Ward, who played Ophelia. However, Ward's ethereal beauty and solid acting skills enabled her to keep pace with the veterans. (Dr. Who fans will recognize Ward as the actor who portrayed Romana II between 1979 and 1981.)
This movie presents us with good, solid Shakespeare. It's a very satisfying production, and definitely worth seeing. The BBC Shakespeare series was particularly popular for use in schools, colleges, and public libraries. The DVD's are expensive to purchase individually, although the boxed sets are reasonably priced. My suggestion is to check the DVD out of your local or college library, and treat yourself to over two hours of excellent Shakespeare.