Starring: Mel Gibson, Glenn Close, Alan Bates, Paul Scofield, Ian Holm Directed By: Franco Zeffirelli Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: DVD Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: February 24, 2004 Running Time: 130 minutes Studio: Warner Home Video Theatrical Release Date: January 18, 1991
Product Description: Hamlet prince of denmark finds out that his uncle claudius killed his father to obtain the throne and plans revenge. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 02/08/2005 Starring: Mel Gibson Helena Bonham Carter Run time: 130 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Amazon.com essential video: Franco Zeffirelli's stripped-down, two-hour version of Shakespeare's play stars Mel Gibson as a rather robust version of the ambivalent Danish prince. Gibson is much better in the part than many critics have admitted, his powers of clarity doing much to make this particular Hamlet more accessible than several other filmed versions. The supporting cast is outstanding, including Glenn Close as Gertrude, Alan Bates as Claudius, Ian Holm as Polonius, and Helena Bonham Carter as Ophelia. Zeffirelli's vigorous direction employs a lively camera style that nicely alters the viewer's preconceptions about the way Hamlet should look. --Tom Keogh
The Best By Far ^ The Branaugh version is visually beautiful, but--as much as I didn't want to admit it, as I loved that film and have been unhappy with Gibson's recent work and off-label commentaries--this version is by far the best. While the Branaugh version is tightest to the text, in this adaption, Mel Gibson exquisitely captures the complexity of emotions that work away at his reason, and ultimately lead to the tragedy. To intuitively sense what Shakespeare was trying to get across regarding the potential effects of injustice on one's mind and soul, WATCH THIS FILM.
Mel, I have to admit -- your portrayal is masterful--and eerily accurate, as anyone who has experienced mixed emotions would likely attest.
Hamlet ^ Hamlet returns to Denmark when his father, the King, dies. His mother Gertrude has already married Hamlet's uncle Claudius, the new King. They urge Hamlet to marry his beloved Ophelia. But soon the ghost of Hamlet's father appears and tells Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius and Gertrude. Hamlet must choose between passive acquiescence and the need for a vengeance which might lead to tragedy. Zeferelli is a master filmmaker, and I highly suggest this movie to anyone who has ever marveled at the human spirit portrayed through film, and literature as well.
"To die, to sleep . . . no more." ^ Who would have thought that Mel Gibson could do Shakespeare? Well, if he could portray William Wallace, then he could portray Hamlet as well. This is a fantastic film production of one of the most famous plays of all time. Director Franco Zeffirelli has done splendidly with this rather faithful adaptation. Much of the text from the play has been edited out, but the human drama still stands (every bit of rawness and intensity from the play remains). The actors have made some fine achievements. Gibson, Close, Bates, Holm, Bonham Carter, and Scofield play their parts very well (though I do believe that Gibson doesn't really look the part sometimes). The only problem I had with this movie is that there were several moments in which it felt very ponderous. I know Shakespeare isn't supposed to be very quick-paced, but here, some scenes do seem to plod when it's not even intentional. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this adaptation of Hamlet, and it makes me appreciate the great master of literature & theater even more.
Grade: A-
Flamboyant and exciting, totally overwhelming! ^ Totally amazing! Mel Gibson leaves no effort in potraying 'Hamlet'. He does deliver every piece of his performence in the most genuine way, the potrayal of pain, sorrow, tension been done so well by this actor, you had to believe its Hamlet. Glenn Close is outstanding, her appearence is very appealing, very genuine both in a maternal and sexual way. The chemistry between Close and Gibson is impeccable. Glenn Close as Gertrude potrays every single emotion well, she is a prowd, happy queen to marry her husbands brother, on the other hand also a concerned and caring mother to Hamlet, her closeness to her son certainly gives a sexual tension as well. The film oozes with fine, flmamboyant performences from almost all the cast. The film maintains a fine flow and has its moments of decent humour too that will make you smile, nevertheless very dramatic and very charged! You never fail to realize that you are actually witnessing the real play by Sir Shakespeare. Definately worth a look.
Mel Gibson's version of Hamlet, the Movie ^ Saw the movie before seeing the play on Broadway with Jude Law. If I had not seen the movie, it would have been very difficult to watch the play and understand what was going on. Mel did a great job in playing Hamlet. The whole cast was excellent. I highly recommend this movie, if you are a Shakespeare fan.
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