Quick Take

Often credited with creating a popular movie audience for Shakespeare, Kenneth Branagh has wanted for many years to bring to the screen the complete, full-length version of Hamlet, Shakespeare's greatest play."The film, like the play, will have something for everyone," he says. "Its a ghost story, a thriller, an action-packed murder mystery, and a great tragedy that is profoundly moving." With an outstanding cast of international actors--including Derek Jacobi as Claudius, Julie Christie as Gertrude, Kate Winslet as Ophelia, Charlton Heston as the Player King, Robin Williams as Osric, and Gerard Depardieu as Reynaldo--Branagh's version, in which he will play the title role as well as direct, is sure to go down in film history.This beautiful volume includes Branagh's introduction and screenplay adaptation of Shakespeare's text, color and black-and-white stills, and a production diary that takes us behind the scenes for a day-to-day look at the shooting of his film.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Hamlet: Screenplay, Introduction And Film Diary

Introduction

Kenneth Branagh, the renowned actor and film director, has brought Shakespeare's greatest play, Hamlet, to the screen in a full-length version. With an outstanding cast and Branagh's direction, this film adaptation promises to be a gripping and moving experience. This article will provide a comprehensive review of the book, highlighting the author's background, the analysis of readers' views, and the reasons for recommending and not recommending it.

About Kenneth Branagh

Kenneth Branagh, the author of this book, is a highly acclaimed Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor and film director. He has brought Shakespeare's works to life on the big screen, creating a popular movie audience for the Bard's plays. Branagh's passion for Shakespeare's works and his dedication to bringing them to the screen have made him a respected figure in the film industry.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Storytelling: Readers have praised Branagh's adaptation of Hamlet as a gripping and engaging story. The combination of ghost stories, thrillers, action-packed murder mysteries, and profound tragedies has captivated audiences. The film's pacing and direction have been commended for keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Outstanding Cast: The cast of international actors in Branagh's Hamlet has been widely praised. Derek Jacobi as Claudius, Julie Christie as Gertrude, Kate Winslet as Ophelia, Charlton Heston as the Player King, Robin Williams as Osric, and Gerard Depardieu as Reynaldo have all delivered outstanding performances. Their talent and chemistry have added depth and complexity to the characters.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights: The book includes an introduction by Branagh and a production diary that provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. This added dimension has been appreciated by readers who are interested in learning about the creative process behind filmmaking.
Psychological Depth: Readers have praised Hamlet for its psychological depth. The characters' motivations and emotions are explored in depth, allowing readers to gain insights into human nature. The play's exploration of themes such as revenge, jealousy, and love has resonated with readers and left a lasting impression.
Relevance and Timelessness: Despite being written over 400 years ago, Hamlet continues to hold relevance and find new relevance with age. Readers have appreciated how Shakespeare's characters provide a deep understanding of human psychology and how they can strike emotional chords with readers engaged with the characters' angst.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: The gripping storytelling and captivating performances make Hamlet a highly recommended read for those who enjoy engaging and well-crafted storytelling.
Psychological Depth: The exploration of psychological depth in Hamlet makes it an excellent read for those interested in understanding human nature and emotions. The play's ability to resonate with readers across generations is a testament to its timelessness.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights: For those interested in filmmaking and the creative process behind bringing a Shakespearean play to the screen, the behind-the-scenes insights provided in the book add value to the overall experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Enjoyment: Some readers have found Hamlet to be a challenging read due to its complex language and lengthy passages. They may struggle to fully enjoy the book or find it difficult to engage with the story.
Lack of Understanding: A minority of readers have expressed difficulty understanding certain aspects of Hamlet. The play's complex plot and themes may require additional background knowledge or patience to fully comprehend.

Conclusion

Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Hamlet has received widespread acclaim for its gripping storytelling, outstanding cast, psychological depth, relevance, and timelessness. While some readers may find it challenging or lack enjoyment due to its complexity, the overall consensus is that this book is highly recommended for those interested in Shakespearean literature or engaging storytelling. The behind-the-scenes insights into filmmaking add value to the overall experience, making it a must-read for cinephiles and aspiring filmmakers alike.