Hamlet

Synopsis
A film adaptation of Hamlet with Kenneth Branagh in the title role. Set in the 19th century with many stars giving cameo performances in minor roles. The film was shot on 65mm and released in 70mm.
Language
English
Country
United States
Medium
Film
Technical information
Colour / Sound
Year of release
1996
Duration
242 mins; 21,803 feet

Credits

Director
Kenneth Branagh
Producer
David Barron
Cinematographer
Alex Thomson
Writer
William Shakespeare
Screenplay
Kenneth Branagh
Music
Patrick Doyle
Costume
Alex Byrne
Art Direction
Tim Harvey
Cast
Kenneth BranaghHamlet
Derek JacobiClaudius
Julie ChristieGertrude
Richard BriersPolonius
Kate WinsletOphelia
Billy CrystalGravedigger (1)
Brian BlessedGhost
Charlton HestonPlayer King
Don WarringtonVoltemand
Duke of MarlboroughFortinbras’s general
Gérard DepardieuReynaldo
Ian McElhinneyBarnardo
Jack LemmonMarcellus
John GielgudPriam
John MillsOld Norway
Judi DenchHecuba
Ken DoddYorick
Michael MaloneyLaertes
Nicholas FarrellHoratio
Ravil IsyanovCornelius
Ray FearonFrancisco
Reece DinsdaleGuildenstern
Richard AttenboroughAmbassador
Robin WilliamsOsric
Rosemary HarrisPlayer Queen
Rufus SewellFortinbras
Sian RadingerPrologue
Simon Russell BealeGravedigger (2)
Timothy SpallRosencrantz

Additional Details

Production type
Fiction Films
Historical period
Victorian
Plays
Hamlet
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
drama in English; film adaptations; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)
Related items
Hamlet: To Cut or Not to Cut?
Readiness is All: The Filming of Hamlet, The

Notes

Notes
The video version is an edited version of the original film, but the DVD version is complete. The DVD released in 2007 includes an introduction by by Branagh and commentary by Professor Russell Jackson. Also included the featurette TO BE ON CAMERA: A HISTORY WITH HAMLET’, the 1996 Cannes Film Festival promo, and trailers from several Shakespeare films.
History
Budget $18m. Total lifetime gross $4,708,156 (Box Office Mojo, 2005)
Awards
1997 Academy Awards. 4 nominations - Best Art Direction, Best Costume, Best Music and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material From Another Medium.
Textual information
The film used an uncut text.
Documentation
Reviewed by Leslie Felperin in ‘Sight and Sound’ (2/97), p 46
2001 VHS version reviewed in Viewfinder 46
Reviews
Reviewed by Leslie Felperin in Sight and Sound, vol. 7, issue 2, February 1997, p.46

Production Company

Name

Castle Rock Entertainment

Distributor (Hire)

Name

Filmbankmedia

Email
info@filmbankmedia.com
Web
https://www.filmbankmedia.com/ External site opens in new window
Phone
+44 (0) 20 3866 6525
Address
1st Floor, 67-74 Saffron Hill
London
EC1N 8QX
UK
Notes
The main source in the UK for hire of feature films for non-theatrical presentations. The extensive catalogue includes vintage classics, independent films and big blockbusters. Available on 16mm as well as VHS and DVD. Also provides advice on contractual matters.

Distributor (Sale)

Name

Retail outlets

Name

Warner Home Video

Web
http://www.warnerbros.co.uk External site opens in new window
Phone
020 7984 6400
Fax
020 7984 5001
Address
98 Theobold’s Road
London
WC1X 8WB

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "Hamlet". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av34264 (Accessed 27 Dec 2024)