Hamlet (2009)

The RSC puts a modern spin on Shakespeare's Hamlet in this filmed-for-television version of their stage production. The Prince of Denmark seeks vengeance after his father is murdered and his mother marries the murderer.

Director:

Gregory Doran

Writer:

William Shakespeare (play)

Stars:

David Tennant, Patrick Stewart, Penny Downie

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Tennant	...	Hamlet
Patrick Stewart	...	Claudius / Ghost
Penny Downie	...	Gertrude
Oliver Ford Davies	...	Polonius
Mariah Gale	...	Ophelia
Edward Bennett	...	Laertes
Peter De Jersey	...	Horatio
Sam Alexander	...	Rosencrantz / Second Gravedigger
Tom Davey	...	Guildenstern
Mark Hadfield	...	Gravedigger
John Woodvine	...	Player King
Ryan Gage	...	Osric / Player Queen
Samuel Dutton	...	Dumbshow King
Jim Hooper	...	Dumbshow Queen / Priest
David Ajala	...	Reynaldo / Dumbshow Poisoner

Storyline

The RSC puts a modern spin on Shakespeare's Hamlet in this filmed-for-television version of their stage production. The Prince of Denmark seeks vengeance after his father is murdered and his mother marries the murderer.

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Plot Keywords:

shakespeare's hamlet | revenge | murder | character name as title | hamlet character | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

For the famed "skull monologue", where Hamlet finds and speaks to the skull of Yorick, David Tennant is using a real, human skull of a man who donated it in his will for this purpose.

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Connections

Version of Hamlet (1917)

User Reviews

It Was and It Wasn't

Being an American rather new to Shakespeare, I have come to discover that Hamlet is my favorite play, and as of today the David Tennant and Patrick Stewart version provides the breakthrough to understanding this complicated play. I have watched all versions of Hamlet available and was quick to check out the newest one; however, Patrick Stewart was the only familiar actor to me. I have not a clue who Dr. Who might be. Just as well, as that might have tainted my view of Mr. Tennant's acting. Most contemporary productions of Shakespeare border on silly (Leonardo D's version of Romeo and Juliet) to ridiculous (Ethan Hawke's Hamlet), but this version rocks, to use an overused phrase.

I thought the juxtaposition of Shakespeare Old English in a Modern Setting worked amazingly well. The talents of the cast came together superbly (wished for a different Ophelia though). Polonius reminded me of a more dignified version of Bill Murray's treatment, but still caught the pompous drift of the character. Horatio played the devoted and loyal friend to great satisfaction. His Roman to the death speech had me crying all three times I watched the dramatization. I thought Tennant's version of Hamlet contained a measured lunacy, the intelligent fool who had mostly everyone fooled. The To Be soliloquy had the right intensity and then in a moment Tennant switches to Guarded Lover with Ophelia and Knave of Fools to Polonius.

I'm up for another view after writing this. Three hours spin by as I absorb new nuances and understanding. What a marvelous way to spend the afternoon.

Details

Country:

UK Japan USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 April 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hamlet

Company Credits

Production Co:

BBC Wales, Illuminations, NHK Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

180 min

Color:

Color