This modernization does a superb job of convincing the viewer that the story could take place in modern times; it was less than 5 minutes into the film that I was comfortable with Shakespeare taking place in NYC. What failed, however, was the delivery of the dialogue by actors who didn't seem involved. Hawke especially seemed bored with his character and does nothing to convince us that Hamlet was tortured with his father's death, his mother's remarriage, his love for Ophelia (which is never explained), and his own mortality. Instead he comes across as a spoiled brat overwhelmed by his trip to the big city and his inability to have things his own way. That such powerful dialogue as Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy was so lost is not a compliment to the filmmaker. We simply can't identify or sympathize with Hamlet, so the story loses most of its impact. Surprisingly, it's Bill Murray's performance as Polonius that steals the film, making us wish he had more scenes. Julia Stiles is also convincing as Ophelia. But their efforts aren't enough to save this film. It is also true, as others have written, that this film's audio transfer to tape was poorly done; you will find yourself adjusting your TV's volume frequently. The lack of enunciation by Hawke and Shepard doesn't help either. (Also, Shakespeare shouldn't be performed over a speakerphone.) Give this film a try if you're a fan of the bard who wants to see an interesting interpretation, but be ready to provide your own enthusiasm motivation for the characters who won't do it for you. A "4" out of "10".
