Almost the Best Version
This version of arguably Shakespeare's most popular tragedy is tragic in and of itself in that it comes so close to brilliance but has imo one fatal flaw. It's so well acted and directed but regreattably, I have to give the edge to the 1996 version. The reason I say regrettably is that I agree with what many have said in that Olivier understood the Hamlet's character much better. Olivier played Hamlet as depressed, whereas Brannagh's was much more frustrated. In my experience, being caught between a rock and hardplace may be frustrating at first, but it eventually leads to depression. Brannagh's Hamlet just ups the frustration and yelling as the movie goes on. Also, Hamlet's Soliloqouies seem more contemplative to as opposed to angry in the text so again, I think Olivier's approach worked better. Olivier's version also has a scarier visit from the father Hamlet and much better and more realistic fight at the end, not to mention better Horatio and even a better Orsic. There are more ways in which Olivier's is better but I'd be here all day and I want people to actually read this, lol. The fatal flaw in Olivier's Hamlet lies in the cuts he makes and no, I'm not talking about R&G or even Fortinbras. They're important but they didn't sink this version for me. No, the problem lies in the soliloquies that Olivier cut. Olivier opens the movie saying that Hamlet is a man who could not make up his mind but then cuts out the two soliloquies where Hamlet talks about it! I really don't get it. Where else in the play, at least in terms of what remains in the movie, does Hamlet really talk about his inability to act? The more importance you give to the script and textual coherency, the more you have to give the edge to Brannagh, complete with its lackluster Orsic and completely not-ominous visit from the father Hamlet.
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