Just came home from a Cineworld showing of Hamlet and even though I knew it was a retelling from modern times, I have seen some of the directors previous work an I expected something decent. The only positive was the wardrobe even though that wasn't consistent for Sir Ian and he had what looked like Adidas sportswear at one point. Colour codes for royals with the green teal was nice.
Now the bads. Sir Ian McKellen acts with his eyes. He's a man of few words but he knows how to make a poignant speech. So, when faced with a deluge of a monologue in Ye Old English, he starts of strong and towards the end he mumbles. He speaks into his chin, he doesn't enunciate! That actor from his play had better delivery while yelling of poison and gesturing with his hands.
I wanted subtitles.
I wanted more effort with the location choice - not just a theatre and the dingy staircases.
Ophelia's singing was cringe. I saw some old people near me look doubtfully at each other and shake their heads. I get that they're trying to get the youngsters into the cinema but today, me, in my 40s, was the youngest one in the room.
It won't fly.
Also major dissonance with setting and Thy and Thou. If you're speaking Shakespeare's tongue at least have some period costumes or a castle.
Didn't like it, don't recommend it and hope they don't make anymore.
