Thursday, June 04, 2009

Coraline and Hamlet. So Many Versions

In my weekly column @ Towleroad I'm talking about Coraline as a stage show which, in its third permutation, is still wonderful and different and Emile Hirsch taking on Hamlet in its millionth incarnation... yes, I'm rounding up. Also briefly mentioned: Zachary Quinto and bizarre Tea & Sympathy references in Land of the Lost.

7 comments:

Wayne B. said...

Why is it "Hamlet" who's always getting the silver screen treatment? I prefer the Kenneth Branagh version but this one might be interesting too "... the violent, intense, and romantic scenes that happen ‘off-stage’ in the play will be shown in vivid detail.” sounds intriguing.

Although I would rather see a cinematic treatment of "MacBeth." I've seen the '71 version and parts of the '06 version but would love to see a full-blown English/Scottish production. Imagine all the actresses who would audition for Lady MacBeth...

Chris Na Taraja said...

Oh my, I saw that awful Orson Wells version of MACBETH. It was painful and the set looked like an uncomfortable chunk of charcoal. Actually the 71 version is good, Roman Planski directed it (ok so I don't want to be in hell with him, but I'll recommend his films). How about Helen Miran as the Lady?

I haven't seen the Kenneth Branagh HAMLET, he kind of annoys me, though i will give it a chance. I actually prefer the Mel Gibson and Ethan Hawke versions better than the Olivier. Wow, all those actors annoy me sometimes.

I think Emille may be a good Hamlet. We sometimes forget that he is supposed to be 17 year old.

Katey said...

Wayne, would you want anyone BUT Tilda Swinton playing Lady Macbeth in that case?

I saw Ben Whishaw play Hamlet onstage in London in 2004, and I've been sorry ever since that his film career hasn't taken off the way it should. He was phenomenal in that. Though I like Emile a lot too, and think his surfer-kid vibe might lend a lot to ol' indecisive Hamlet.

Wayne B. said...

Katey - You hit the nail right on the head. Tilda would be aces!

adam k. said...

Nat, did you ever the The Lives of Others? I just rewatched it for class, and am going through the special features. It's really very good. I'm sure it would've figured into your Film Bitch awards (the screenplay and score are particularly notable).

It has a great actress playing a great actress (who lies to herself!) too. You should really check it out.

Anonymous said...

Nate, I love the idea of Emile playing Ophelia and really turning "Hamlet" on it's head.

Love the Branagh version, but really, I only love it for the scene with him and Winslet in the hall of mirrors. Thank goodness we finally gave her an Oscar.

Ryan said...

Emile Hirsch in HAMLET?

at first odd but i can actually sorta picture it now.