The ghost scene in 1.5 is unwatchable, and Branagh stages the climactic duel in action-movie land. Some of Branagh’s directing is very fine (the two-way mirror in “To be, or not to be”) and some of it is not. Branagh films the whole text, and so includes the essential framing character of Fortinbras and allows us to fully see how Laertes and Ophelia together serve as a double for Hamlet. This choice creates a satisfying Hamlet and turns Branagh’s conspicuous habit of overacting into a virtue. Kenneth Branagh: Hamlet 1996.īranagh’s performance swings wildly between Hamlet’s famous indecision and the Danish prince’s other signature (but often overlooked) characteristic: his recklessness. And all this outweighs the serious limitations director John Gielgud faced filming a live performance in a Broadway theater as well as some less than stellar acting in the other roles. The sheer physical stamina of Burton’s work is impressive. When he is funny, Burton is funny without the viciousness or condescension you often see in other performances. His transitions from line to line and emotion to emotion feel like the natural consequence of the previous idea and feeling. Burton plays all of Hamlet’s emotions with extraordinary conviction: grief, fear, doubt, anger, indifference, easy acceptance. Richard Burton wins the title “best Hamlet” with the range, insight, and power of his acting in this filmed stage production. I have also summarized the rankings of other critics from around the internet to give you more perspectives.
Which is the best Hamlet movie? Here are my assessments of the film adaptations of Hamlet I’ve seen ranked in order of personal preference.
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