Richard Burton's Hamlet

"Richard Burton's Hamlet," directed by John Gielgud, is a cinematic rendering of the limited-run Broadway stage production of William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, "Hamlet." This 1964 theater-to-film adaptation captures one of the era's most commanding and vibrant actors, Richard Burton, in the eponymous role as the brooding Prince of Denmark. This production is often noted for its "Electronovision" technique, which sought to bring the immediacy and rawness of live theater to the cinema by recording a live performance with multiple cameras.

The play is an intense exploration of betrayal, revenge, and madness, set in the royal court of Denmark. The plot is propelled by the ghost of Hamlet's father, who reveals to his son that he was murdered by his own brother, Claudius, who has now usurped the throne by marrying Hamlet's mother, Gertrude. Hamlet is charged with the weighty task of avenging his father's death, but his contemplative and indecisive nature leads to a spiral of events that compound the drama's tension and tragedy.

Richard Burton's portrayal of Hamlet is one of passion and intellectual depth, marked by his resonant voice and commanding presence. Known for his classical theatrical training and magnetic film performances, Burton brings a profound complexity to the character, capturing the inner torment and existential despair that has made the role one of the most coveted and challenging in the actor's repertoire. Indeed, Burton's embodiment of the Prince of Denmark is often remembered as one of the most significant portrayals of the 20th century.

Supporting Burton is Hume Cronyn in the role of Polonius, the garrulous and meddlesome chief counselor to the king. Cronyn's performance is a masterclass in character acting, providing a sense of comic relief even as he embodies the tragedy's underlying tone of intrigue and deception. Polonius's machinations and eavesdropping fuel the fire of the central conflict, and Cronyn plays the character with a blend of nosiness and misguided wisdom.

Alfred Drake appears as the usurping King Claudius, who is both the story's principal antagonist and Hamlet's uncle-stepfather. Ensconced in his ill-gotten power, Drake's Claudius is simultaneously regal and unctuous, presenting a façade of control and stability while concealing his gnawing guilt and fear of retribution. His complex interactions with the other characters help to illuminate the themes of corruption and the poisonous nature of unchecked ambition.

Eileen Herlie reprises her role as Queen Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, whose hasty marriage to Claudius after her husband's death is a source of deep disgust for her son. Herlie's portrayal reveals the multifaceted nature of Gertrude, showcasing a woman caught between her roles as a queen, a mother, and a wife in a male-dominated society tormented by secrecy and betrayal.

The film also showcases an array of performances from a talented supporting cast including Linda Marsh as Ophelia, George Rose as the Grave Digger, and John Cullum as Laertes, each adding layers of drama and humanity to the overarching narrative. Ophelia's descent into madness and Laertes' thirst for vengeance parallel and intersect with Hamlet's own journey, creating a mosaic of grief, passion, and turmoil.

Visually, the film is stark and unadorned, a presentation choice that foregrounds the actors and the language of Shakespeare. Without the trappings of lavish sets or intricate costuming typical of cinematic adaptations, the emphasis is squarely on the performances and the words—an approach that highlights the potency of Shakespeare's text and offers the audience a voyeuristic glimpse into a live theater experience.

Director John Gielgud himself a legendary Shakespearean performer, orchestrates the proceedings with an intimate knowledge of the material. His direction ensures the pacing and delivery of the lines adhere to the rhythms of a stage production while taking advantage of the film medium's close-ups and angles to accentuate the emotional nuances of the actors' performances.

"Richard Burton's Hamlet" invites viewers to witness a raw and intense portrayal of one of literature's most complex and haunted characters. While the technical aspects of the Electronovision recording may show their age, the power of the performances and the timeless quality of the play itself ensure that this film remains a significant artifact in the history of Shakespearean adaptations and theatrical cinema. It stands as a document of the artistry of Richard Burton and the entire cast, bringing the immediacy and power of live theater to audiences who might otherwise never have the chance to experience such a landmark production.