Hamlet 1999
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by TVOntario
Director n/a
VHS, color, 30 min.
High School - Adult
Literature
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Cliff Glaviano, Head of Technical Services, Bowling Green State University Libraries, Bowling Green, OHThis video is part of the Exploring Shakespeare Series originally seen on Canadian TV as Exploring Shakespeare with Richard Ouzounian. Ouzounian serves as narrator for Hamlet. He provides an excellent introduction to the play and a fine overview, telling viewers what is important and what to look for in each of the five soliloquies. Ouzounian currently is Creative Head of Arts Programming at TVOntario, and is an accomplished director, artistic director and playwright. Hamlet is played by John Ralston.
As a treatment of Hamlet, certainly one of best known, and most often produced of Shakespeare's tragedies (a new film adaptation was released in May 2000), this production provides a very interesting, very exciting synopsis of the play and a fine introduction to understanding the moods and motivations of its title character. Though the soliloquies are set and acted traditionally, Ouzounian's commentary relates Hamlet's inner struggles quite effectively with modern concerns, particularly in taking responsibility for one's actions, and considerations of the implications of suicide. This will be especially valuable to those teaching or studying Shakespeare, but it's also extremely appealing entertainment worth repeat viewings. Highly recommended.