Hamlet / Kline, New York Shakespeare Festival (Broadway Theatre Archive)

Rating:
Summary: Kevin Kline's ambitious Hamlet shines.
Review: William Shakespeare's HAMLET is as powerful a story as ever been told and the title role is often considered the toughest to tackle. And so, it exists in many variations. Kevin Kline directed and starred in this version that was taped for television. It is an excellent interpretation, although he does play Hamlet a little old (Quite often the case...). The cast is very good with the exception of an unfortunate Ophelia (who would later portray an unfortunate Getrude opposite Ethan Hawke's 2000 Hamlet). The costume design is of a non-descript wartime wear that alone suggests a twist in interpretation. But, the setting, lighting and dialogue conflict with that view leaving the viewer slightly off-center. With almost 45 minutes of the story excised, this is still one of the most faithful adaptions (Branagh's HAMLET used every word). This is a great document of Kline's vision but when its all said and done, I'd rather watch a filmed version then a taped version adapted from the stage. Still, it is a nice experience.