Hamlet
Laurence Olivier’s stark, psychologically charged Hamlet transforms Shakespeare’s revenge tragedy into a haunted study of grief, indecision, and murderous power.
Overview
A tale of revenge and tragedy unfolds in the royal halls of Denmark, where betrayal runs deep.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Dense
- Violence
- Moderate
- brooding
- eerie
- austere
- classic film night
- shakespeare study
What critics said
Critics broadly regard Olivier's adaptation as an intelligent, beautifully controlled, visually striking Shakespeare film anchored by a compelling ensemble, despite omissions and debate over the central performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Cavernous sets, winding staircases, and eerie lighting turn the royal castle into a labyrinth corresponding to Hamlet's troubled mind.
Hamlet investigates the Ghost's accusation and stages a play to provoke Claudius before committing himself to retaliation.
Hamlet's fixation on Gertrude's remarriage and the intimate, confrontational bedroom encounter heighten the play's Oedipal overtones.
The opening voiceover frames Hamlet as a man unable to decide, while his hesitation and introspection destabilize the court around him.
Films like Hamlet, and why
Macbeth
psychological tragedy, literary adaptation, expressionist visual design, and royal intrigue
Richard III
prestige Shakespeare adaptation, moral corruption, tragic family conflict, and heightened theatricality
The Trial
black-and-white psychological drama, claustrophobic court politics, and fatalistic tragedy
Othello
classic literary tragedy, brooding atmosphere, and conflict between private conscience and public power
Movie Details
- Director
- Laurence Olivier
- Release Date
- 1948-12-10
- Runtime
- 153 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (301)
Cast
- Laurence Olivier
- Basil Sydney
- Eileen Herlie
- Norman Wooland
- Felix Aylmer
- Jean Simmons
- Terence Morgan
- Peter Cushing
- Stanley Holloway
- Russell Thorndike
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Hamlet about?
- Laurence Olivier’s stark, psychologically charged Hamlet transforms Shakespeare’s revenge tragedy into a haunted study of grief, indecision, and murderous power.
- What is Hamlet like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Hamlet as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as dense.
- Is Hamlet violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Hamlet as moderate.
- What did critics think of Hamlet?
- Critics broadly regard Olivier's adaptation as an intelligent, beautifully controlled, visually striking Shakespeare film anchored by a compelling ensemble, despite omissions and debate over the central performance.
- Which films are like Hamlet?
- Films with a similar feel include Macbeth, Richard III, The Trial, and Othello.
- How long is Hamlet?
- Hamlet runs 153 minutes.
- Where can I watch Hamlet?
- In United States, Hamlet streams on fuboTV, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel, HBO Max.
