Hamlet (1996)

A re-viewing of the longtime Best of All inductee. A second look, from a greater temporal distance, reveals more of the flaws in Kenneth Branagh’s wildly ambitious, comprehensive retelling of Shakespeare’s most iconic work. Many of the performances are overwrought; Kate Winslet’s Ophelia in particular is prone to hysterics (while she lasts). Other roles are simply miscast, more for the sake of including “names” than for harmonizing actor with character. And, let’s be blunt: it’s really, really long—almost to the point of being impossible to watch in one sitting. So must this film be jettisoned from the ranks of the great works? Hardly. Its ambition is its brilliance. Few could take on the challenge of presenting the full text of the play and make so much of it entertaining and relevant. The movie start to finish is a visual feast, both in its rich setting and the visual flair demonstrated by its composition, mise-en-scene, and attention to exquisite detail. And the highlights—and there are many—are as memorable as any I have seen in all my life of viewing cinema. It is worth accepting the challenge to view this work and absorb its ecumenical vision of personal and political tragedy. This above all things: to great cinema be true—even unto accepting it in its fullness.