Watch Hamlet

Hamlet from 2003 is a dramatic and emotionally charged adaptation of the classic Shakespearean play. The movie stars William Houston as the titular character, Hamlet, alongside Guy Adams as Horatio, Jilly Bond as Gertrude, and Richard Brimblecombe as Polonius. Directed by Alex Cox, Hamlet tells the timeless tale of the Prince of Denmark, who is consumed by grief, revenge, and madness after his father, the King, is murdered by his uncle, Claudius.

The movie begins with the ghost of Hamlet's father appearing to him and revealing the truth about his murder. Hamlet swears to avenge his father's death, leading him on a dangerous path of deception and betrayal. As he seeks to uncover the truth, Hamlet's relationships with those around him deteriorate, including his mother, Gertrude, and his love interest, Ophelia.

One of the standout performances in Hamlet from 2003 is William Houston's commanding portrayal of the eponymous character. His performance is intense, emotional, and gripping. He captures the tormented psyche of Hamlet, as he struggles to find meaning in a world that has turned against him. He delivers some of the play's most iconic lines with a powerful and haunting delivery that stays with the audience long after the movie has ended.

Guy Adams is equally impressive as Horatio, Hamlet's loyal confidant. He brings a level of emotional depth to his character, as he watches in horror as Hamlet spirals into madness. Jilly Bond also shines as Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. She portrays Gertrude as a complex character with conflicting emotions, torn between her loyalty to her son and her relationship with her new husband, Claudius. Richard Brimblecombe's portrayal of Polonius is also noteworthy, as he brings a comedic touch to the role, while still conveying the character's cunning scheming.

The cinematography in Hamlet is stunning, as the movie makes use of the beautiful and imposing landscape of Elsinore Castle as a backdrop for the unfolding drama. Every shot and frame has a deliberate purpose, capturing the mood and emotions of the characters. The use of lighting and shadow is particularly impressive, creating a haunting and eerie atmosphere that adds to the tension and drama of the story.

One of the unique aspects of Hamlet from 2003 is its use of modernized costumes and music. The movie is set in a medieval world, but the costumes have a more contemporary feel, adding a fresh and modern twist to the classic tale. The music is also updated, featuring an original score by Dan Wool, which blends traditional orchestration with more contemporary elements, creating a haunting and atmospheric soundscape.

Overall, Hamlet from 2003 is a powerful and moving adaptation of one of Shakespeare's most iconic plays. With its talented cast, stunning cinematography, and modernized approach, the movie breathes new life into a timeless story, making it accessible to a new generation of viewers. Whether you're a Shakespeare aficionado or simply a fan of powerful and emotional storytelling, Hamlet is a movie that should not be missed.

Hamlet is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.