This is not a movie. It is a video-recording of a live Broadway version in the 1960s. The 60s was a decade of amazing films (Lawrence of Arabia, The Graduate, etc) and the century's best actors on stage. But due to the lack of money and technology, the overall film is not well- done. The camera is at a far distance and hardly ever changes shots. When it does change shots, those parts are great. With more money, more camera could have been used. But I know this was in the 60s. I had mixed feelings with Richard Burton. He is one of the greatest actors of all time whom, just below Peter O'Toole, has been robbed of more Oscars than anybody. I thought that the way he played Hamlet was spot-on. He is able to incorporate the right amount of anger, sadness, wit, craziness, philosophy, determination, and happiness that makes Hamlet the character he is. Hamlet is the hardest character to play, and Richard Burton conquers it. But I was expecting more from Burton's acting. Sure he got the portrayal down-pat, but I barely felt anything. What makes Hamlet is the he shows every kind of human emotion that he makes the audience feel with him. In my review of the 1996 Hamlet, I mentioned that Kenneth Branagh did not portray Hamlet well but was very convincing for what it was. Despite his Hamlet being negative, I felt everything and was very convinced. I can't say the same thing for Richard Burton. I did feel something, but it was canned and mechanical. I guess one of the reasons is because of the lack of good filming, with the majority being at a distance. I loved the soliloquies.
3/4
3/4