Review by Craig Byrne
The recent DVD release of The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet – starring Doctor Who’s David Tennant and Star Trek: the Next Generation’s Patrick Stewart – gives audiences who might not have had the chance to see them on stage, an opportunity to see a televised version of the performance. When the RSC put the show on in 2008, there were massive sell-outs, some of whom were disappointed when Tennant suffered a prolapsed disc and missed about a month’s worth of performances… this was a big deal.
The DVD has the entire show — around 3 hours of it. Yes, 3 hours. Tennant and Stewart are good – it’s great to see both of them sharing the screen, and it disappoints me that we never did get that rumored Patrick Stewart Doctor Who appearance — but I’m going to have to commit sophistication suicide and admit Shakespeare just isn’t for me. The wordy dialogue, the dry feeling… I got really, really bored, and two actors whose work I enjoy so much couldn’t save it.
Which is not to say this DVD is a “must-avoid” – those who are fans of Shakespeare’s work would probably eat this up, as would fans of good acting in general. I may have liked it better in person, seeing these great actors do their craft… but some things just don’t work for everyone. Please, no one kill me for this — I openly admit I have unsophisticated taste!
This DVD is now available in stores everywhere and to order on Amazon.com!
1 Comment
Well, as an English major, I can’t diss Hamlet, but I do think it’s overrated. With that said it is timeless drama, and it is important that it stays alive. It’s good that Patrick Stewart was classy enough to do his part with this production.