This Hamlet has always stuck with me as one of the most memorable because of Nicole Williamson's performance which is so different from any other I've seen. It really emphasizes Hamlet as an uncomfortable intellectual. I am surprised it doesn't get more attention. It has been decades since I have seen it last and I look forward to seeing it again.
As I recall the film came out after Nicole Williamson performed the role on Broadway. I remember Williamson racing through the lines (sometimes slowing a bit) in a feverish way concentrating on the meaning and avoiding any luxuriating in the sound of the language. He delivers the lines with nasal whine that sounded almost ugly. He seemed the most modern Hamlet I ever encountered. I just did a web search and I see that one or two comments that say this is a "bad" Hamlet, but I think those people are missing the point of the performance.
As I recall the film came out after Nicole Williamson performed the role on Broadway. I remember Williamson racing through the lines (sometimes slowing a bit) in a feverish way concentrating on the meaning and avoiding any luxuriating in the sound of the language. He delivers the lines with nasal whine that sounded almost ugly. He seemed the most modern Hamlet I ever encountered. I just did a web search and I see that one or two comments that say this is a "bad" Hamlet, but I think those people are missing the point of the performance.