Forget Kenneth Branagh. The best Hamlet I have heard is Michael Sheen on the BBC Collection recording of the play. His heartrending, agonized wail of "I'll no more on't, It hath made me mad!" never ceases to overwhelm me to the brink of tears. Just like James Stewart does to me in Vertigo when he is dragging Judy up the steps of the tower. Or throughout most of the film, really. But that's beside the point. Anyway, the BBC Collection recording of Hamlet is bloody great. Apart from Ellie Beaven as Ophelia who stinks. Even the sound of her voice warrants death by hot pokers. And Claudius sounds like James Mason. Which isn't a bad thing. The problem I have with Kenneth Branagh is that, a great actor as he may well be, he seems at times to rush over some moments of beautiful language that should otherwise be relished. No, throw Kenneth Branagh to the dogs - I'll none of it! Give me Michael Sheen any day. Or Steven Berkoff's Hamlet.

-- Antonius Blok (criesandwhispers666@yahoo.com), September 27, 2002

Answers

So ... your question is ... what? Why we like Kenneth Branagh's? Of course it takes all sorts to make lots of Hamlets and HAMLETS, and to enjoy different ones of each. I'll give Branagh his speed. It beats moping about like a lost trout; and he's so natural; and he screams energy. But I haven't heard Michael Sheen. Pity. But then, I couldn't stomach an Ophelia who stinks.

-- catherine england (catherine_england@hotmail.com), October 04, 2002.

There is no question whatsoever, madam. I was merely saying that Michael Sheen is superior. But Steven Berkoff's Hamlet was second to none! Have you seen it? I just got Richard Burton's Hamlet on DVD from the states. Hmmmm.

-- Antonius Blok (criesandwhispers666@yahoo.com), October 04, 2002.

Didnt Michael Sheen sing the classic song "oh ive never met a nice south african" ?

-- Rupert Lesley Stevens (Rupertstevens142@hotmail.com), November 10, 2002.