ESTRENO: "HAMLET" con Ian McKellen. Subtítulos en castellano.

"The film is much more coherent and exciting than the theatrical production, raising significant questions about the relationship between theater and cinema." - Michael Billington

McKellen's portrayal in Hamlet spans eight decades of Shakespearean acting experience, from the 1950s through the 2020s.

Mathias's approach involves filming Hamlet throughout the Theatre Royal Windsor, creatively utilizing the venue's unique spaces. The solitary exterior shot features McKellen wandering outside, eager to participate in the unfolding drama. The result is a compelling portrayal that reflects the veteran actor's desire to revisit his iconic role.

Set against the backdrop of the Theatre Royal, a fitting stand-in for Elsinore, this rendition captures Hamlet's deep preoccupation with representation. Frances Barber’s King Actor delivers a powerful rhetorical speech, and McKellen himself immerses in the layered complexities of the play. The meta-theatrical moments remind the audience of the inherently theatrical nature of Shakespeare's work.

While the audience may be drawn to the cinematic elements presented by McKellen, it's intriguing to observe the nuanced shifts in his performance. His vigorous energy in the theater contrasts with the reality of age shown through the camera's lens, enhancing his portrayal of a more contemplative Hamlet.

McKellen transforms the iconic “To be or not to be” soliloquy, delivering it as a reflection of his life experiences. His sensitivity towards Alis Wyn Davies's Ophelia indicates a departure from the typical aggressive interpretations, and his final moments, marked by a thoughtful smile, highlight his understanding of life's absurdity. The performances of Jonathan Hyde and Steven Berkoff equally complement McKellen's work, leveraging the cinematic medium effectively.

Neil Oseman, the cinematographer, plays a crucial role in the film's success, sparking discussion about whether cinema can enhance theatrical experiences. With the evolution of time, cinema has become a vessel to bring theater to larger audiences, sometimes offering experiences that rival the live performance. This rendition of Hamlet speaks to that transformative power.

McKellen is joined by the original cast from the 2021 theatrical production at Theatre Royal Windsor, including Frances Barber, Jonathan Hyde, Jenny Seagrove, Steven Berkoff, and BAFTA winner Francesca Annis. Directed by Sean Mathias, the film creatively navigates the spaces within the theatre, turning it into Elsinore Castle.

TICKETS:

Tickets will be available for free at the theatre box office on the day of the performance (limited to 2 tickets per person) on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of available free tickets will vary by performance.

HOW CAN I SECURE TICKETS?

Purchasing a contribution pass ensures ticket possession, priority entry, and special seating.

Don't miss out, that is the question!