BBC Shakespeare: Hamlet

BBC Shakespeare: Hamlet is an exemplary BBC television adaptation of one of Shakespeare's greatest and most famous tragedies: Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark. Aired in 1980, the movie had an impressive ensemble of well-regarded, seasoned actors who brought to life the intense drama and melancholy of this undying classic.

The screenplay centers around young Prince Hamlet, portrayed by Derek Jacobi, a highly accomplished and charismatic stage actor, who is known for his ability to breathe new life into classic characters. The title role of the emotionally tormented prince is arguably one of his finest performances. Jacobi's portrayal of the introspective and grief-stricken Hamlet is at once vulnerable and powerful, perfectly capturing the essence of Shakespeare's complex character. His performance takes the audience on a whirlwind journey through the maze of his character's powerful emotions; viewers witness his descent from shock and grief into madness.

On his return to Denmark, Hamlet finds his father, the King, disturbingly dead and his mother, queen Gertrude, married to his uncle Claudius. Gertrude, portrayed by Claire Bloom, was shown not as being complicit in the machinations around her, but as a complex figure, caught between her love for her son and her new husband. Bloom masterfully portrays Gertrude's dilemma, her sincerity and the subtlety of her performance is memorable.

Patrick Stewart, the renowned actor most known for his roles in Star Trek and X-Men series, takes on the controversial role of King Claudius. The character of Claudius is layered and difficult, given his treachery as well as the fact that despite his failings, he is an efficient ruler. Stewart, known for his nuanced character portrayals, rises to the occasion splendidly, making the character of Claudius multi-dimensional and eliciting a range of responses from audiences.

This adaptation of Hamlet somewhat detours from the traditional setting and costumes of other versions and appears to be set in the 19th Century rather than the medieval period. However, this does not take away from the timeless appeal of the story. The cinematography and staging maintain the balance between an intimate chamber drama and the enigmatic royal palace. The set design reflects a subliminal darkness that runs throughout the narrative.

The direction by Rodney Bennett is stellar. He wove in Shakespeare’s text with the performances of his actors seamlessly, yielding a palpable tension and gloom that starts building up from the very beginning and reaches its climax towards the end of the play. Despite the play's duration, Bennett ensured that there are no dull moments. This is testament to his skill as a director, as condensing a four-hour play into a two-and-a-half-hour movie without losing the essence and intensity is no small feat.

Aside from the main cast, every character in this play has been brilliantly portrayed. The enduring value of this adaptation lies substantially in its selection of actors who have a strong command of the Shakespearean language and text. This makes their performances not only believable but touching and relatable as well.

BBC Shakespeare: Hamlet is a must-watch for anyone interested in Shakespeare, literature, or quality dramatic performances. The linguistic beauty of the play, coupled with the considerable dramatic talent of the cast, makes this film an excellent adaptation. Even those who may not ordinarily appreciate or understand the Shakespearean language might find the intense performances and the strong storytelling to draw them in. The film remains timeless, bearing testimony to the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's work.