Hamlet (1996)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film:  242 Minutes

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Drama

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Starring:  Kenneth Branagh, Kate Winslet, Derek Jacobi, Julie Christie, Richard Briers

IMDB Rank: 7.8/10

Part 1 Time: 157 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 85 Minutes

****With the length of Hamlet an intermission is essential, whether watching as a stage play or feature film. The intermission varies depending on your mode of viewing. In this feature film the intermission takes place following Act IV Scene IV. In the stage play the intermission usually takes place following the events of Act IV Scene III.

Where does the first part end? Hamlet travels to England. On his journey, Hamlet observers Fortinbras, who is leading his troops through Denmark toward Poland.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Form this time forth, may thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!” Hamlet speaks to himself (End of Act IV, Scene IV).

First line of dialogue on the second part: “When sorrows come they come not single spies but in battalions.” Narrator speaks (Start of Act IV, Scene V).

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, Hamlet is perplexed by the Norwegian army’s willingness to die for so little (fighting against Poland). With this thought Hamlet now recognizes he has the strength to avenge his fathers death. How and when he will act still remains unknown?

Which part is better? The first part of the film focuses on a grieving Hamlet and his slow progression into madness, murder, and expulsion from the palace. Part two sees Hamlet return to the palace in a tragic finale. The acting throughout the film is phenomenal in both parts, but due to the events portrayed in Act IV Scene V and beyond, part two has the advantage.

Academy Awards: Best Writing- Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (Nominated), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Music-Original Dramatic Score (Nominated).