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Laurence Olivier - Hamlet / Henry V [1944]


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Excellent Hamlet, unsurpassable Henry V
Review date: 2007-02-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

Although I think this is an excellent version of Hamlet, Olivier's performance as the eponymous character is a tour de force, and the period setting and authentic Danish location are good to see in this age of Brechtian alienation, there is a gripe I'd like to share. Way, way too much of the script (which I genuinely consider to be the greatest ever written) has been butchered for the screenplay, which is quite common in adaptations of Shakespeare, but unnecessary as Branagh adeptly showed, even if it does take four hours to play. Furthermore, script editors for film versions of Shakespeare universally seem to work on the assumption that the only important elements of the script are those that relate directly to the plot and famous passages, but that eliminates some great poetry, and ultimately forsakes the gothic exuberance of Shakespeare. This edit of Hamlet leaves Olivier with the vast majority of the airtime, at the expense of all of the other characters. For that reason it comes second best to Kenneth Branagh's full length adaptation of Hamlet, in my humble opinion, though not for that reason alone, as I also think Branagh interpreted the character of Hamlet more skillfully, naturally, and enjoyably. Aside from that, Olivier's version of Hamlet has to be seen - it is a landmark and all that.

As for Henry V, I think this is the definitive version. Unlike Hamlet, it is filmed in Technicolor, and very pretty it is too. The first act of this adaptation is set in the Globe, and is a very interesting portrayal of the players, audience and sights and sounds of the legendary theatre. At first I thought this would be strange and alienating, but it really worked incredibly effectively and is very original. As soon as Olivier regally marches onto the stage, he dominates proceedings. It is an absolutely virtuoso performance from beginning to end, and rousing to watch. When the action switches to the period setting, the play really draws the viewer in. The sets are quite spectacular for the time, and evoke nostalgia for the days before CGI, when more artistry and effort were required to produce the desired effect. The costumes are magnificent and authentic, and the battle scenes are quite enthralling too. All in all, a better production of Henry V will probably never be seen on film. This adaptation is especially poingant as it was filmed during the War, and this timing was intentional. It was intended as a patriotic warcry, as Henry V was, of course, a great English patriot, and the victory against the odds at Agincourt was one of England's finest moments. The British army invaded France not long after this production, and although the enemy was different, the proud and courageous actions of old Blighty's soldiers was and always will be the same.

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Reviews


Tradition has its merit.
Review date: 2006-04-12 Rating: 10 out of 10

Just as when you think about the Ten Commandments, you think of Charlton Heston as Moses in "The Ten Commandments" (1956). Everyone knows that Hamlet looks like Laurence Olivier. People concentrate on Oliver and may miss the great camerawork and atmosphere for him to work in. There are longer and flashier versions out now, many quite good however this is the one that will always come to mind.

I will not attempt to interpret the meaning behind the story however most of the acting and all of the words are quite clear. If you are afraid of misinterpreting the play, take a course on it. Otherwise this will play stands on its own merit and you will be fascinated. It is a tad irritating not having the Rosencrantz and Guildenstern dialog.

Just a quickie synopsis, Hamlet's father, the king on Denmark, is dead and his uncle marries his mother. His father's ghost returns to say they dispatched him on purpose (murder most foul) while he seeks revenge he is also distort with indecision. How he acts with friends and relative to carry out his plans is the play.



Olivier's finest filmic hour?
Review date: 2003-12-31 Rating: 10 out of 10

As an avid fan of shakespeare and DVD, this boxset is a must. Olivier was much better on stage than film and its true modern henry's by branagh or hamlets by leicster are very good. All the greatest modern actors owe a debt to the blueprints left by olivier in these incredible films, along with his othello and richard iii. Henry v feels a little like world war propaganda and maybe lacking a little bite during the battles but the interest is sustained by oliviers shear acting talent the same would be said of his hamlet. Hamlet is Oliviers finest filmic hour. Very cathartic and truley plunging the depths of every human emotion. Every wannabe shakespeare actor or shakespeare fan should buy this.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Jean Simmons
Laurence Olivier
Esmond Knight
John Laurie
Robert Newton

Creators:
Laurence Olivier (Primary Contributor)
Laurence Olivier (Writer)
Jean Simmons (Primary Contributor)
Anthony Bushell (Producer)
Dallas Bower (Producer)
Dallas Bower (Writer)
Filippo Del Giudice (Producer)
Alan Dent (Writer)
William Shakespeare (Writer)

Director(s):

Recording label: ITV DVD
Manufacturer: ITV DVD
EAN: 5037115018731
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: Box set, Black & White, Colour, Full Screen, PAL,
Release date: 2001-11-12
Number of discs: 2
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 292 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1946-06-17
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)

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