In the opening sequence of this production the whole line of the film is boldly laid down. Hamlet gallops across the sands towards Elsinore, and into the great sombre castle; Claudius’ rule is proclaimed in the crowded courtyard; the drawbridge is slowly pulled up, shutting the castle in on itself. Where Kozintsev scores, consistently and impressively is through the elements outlined in the film’s vigorous introduction; the way he involves the onlookers of Elsinore in the action, and the way he uses the castle and the court to create a feeling of encirclement by iron, stone and the watchful eye of the courtiers. The emphasis is on speed, clarity, the flow of visual action. It cuts a firm, slashing line through the play.
How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
324633
Language
English
Audience classification
PG
Subject categories
Feature films → Feature films - Soviet Union
Literature → Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 - Film and video adaptations
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Black and White
Holdings
VHS; Access Print (Section 1)