This is a video of a live performance at Shakespeare's Globe in London. I have attended several performances there, and this video captures the essence of being there, as close as possible without actually being there. It is a theatrical performance: no spectacle, no voice-overs, no ultra closeups with the actors whispering their lines.
It is a "historically informed" performance that manages to keep Elizabethan stagecraft while resonating with the XXI century. Michelle Terry is great as Hamlet. She is willing to take chances with her performance that no "famous movie actor" would. Having a woman in the lead is an interesting dynamic, and brings fresh light on the character. Too often, Hamlet is played by a 40 something actor instead of an uncertain 19 year old.
The pacing of the play is quite good. There is enough Elizabethan humor to throw the tragedy into high relief. The supporting players are all first-rate.
The IMDB lists 114 titles for Hamlet. I have by no means seen them all. This performance is the best I have seen. Olivier's movie is interesting, but is more a meditation by Larry on the play. Branagh's version is quite good, if long, but the play is sometimes buried by spectacle, and too many famous actor cameos.
By keeping with the restrictions and conventions of an Elizabethan play, this performance manages to find relevance for our time. I heartily recommend it.
