The complete text allows a virtually unique opportunity to appreciate fully the political setting of the tragedy, with the practical, pragmatic Norwegian Fortinbras (Rufus Sewell) waiting in the wings to assume the throne intended for the idealistic, reflective Hamlet. When Hamlet, the king’s son, hears reports that the ghost of his father has appeared to palace guards, naming his killers, he vows revenge. The Duke of Marlborough’s immense Blenheim Palace serves as Elsinore’s exterior.īranagh’s use of the full text is neither academic nor self-indulgent, and it provides a richer context for the tragedy that is set in motion when Gertrude (Julie Christie), the queen of Denmark, and her husband’s brother Claudius (Derek Jacobi) become lovers and poison the king.

To give “Hamlet” epic scope, Thomson (an assistant cameraman on “Lawrence of Arabia”) shot in 65-millimeter film, to be projected in 70 millimeters. It also makes for a gorgeous period piece with Tim Harvey’s superb sets and Alexandra Byrne’s equally rich costumes.ĭesigned in the elegant Scandinavian neo-classical style, the sets are dominated by a vast mirror-lined, balconied throne room, enabling cinematographer Alex Thomson to encircle and dart around the actors with fluidity. This brings the tragedy closer to us in time but long enough ago for the Shakespearean dialogue to sound natural. He reset the play to an unspecified year in the 19th century, roughly in its third quarter. To accomplish this, Branagh has made some inspired and crucial artistic decisions. It is a testament to Branagh’s dedication, long experience with Shakespeare and sense of the cinematic that he allows us to immerse ourselves in Shakespeare’s profound meditation on the human condition without “Hamlet” seeming as long as it actually is.

Kate winslet hamlet full movie