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Shakespeare
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Method to MadnessSeeing Hamlet as he sees himselfA film by Hop! ProductionsThis hour-long film explores every facet of Shakespeare's Hamlet from an actor's viewpoint. It takes some of the finest Hamlets of the current generation and asks them to analyse the part and to a lesser extent the play. It is receiving two cinema showings, at the Warwick Arts Centre on 19th October and at the Curzon, Soho, on 1st November. It could easily take on new life with BBC 4 or as a filler, between say Olivier and Hawke's versions on film, in one of BBC 2's themed nights. Writer and co-producer, Vicky Wayman has been fortunate in being able to put together interviews with almost all of the actors who have played Hamlet in the last few years. The only exception is Mark Rylance who is quoted in connection with his Globe performance but is not actually seen. We run the gamut from Sir Derek Jacobi and Michael Maloney to Simon Russell Beale and Sam West. The production does not stop there as it also picks the brains of student Hamlets and even delves into Hamlet the Musical (Shakespeare meets the Lion King) and Tim Barker's Shakespeare -The Good Beer Guide. There are also regular extracts from the subject's best speeches. This film is an absolutely fascinating take on what many see as Shakespeare's finest play. It also gives a good feel for the quality and intelligence of actors in the forefront of British Theatre. For example, while Simon Russell Beale and Adrian Lester see Hamlet as sane, Mark Rylance clearly believed that he was mad. Who is to say which is right or whether it matters? This is like a very special masterclass of masterclasses. It looks at the Everyman, Hamlet, from many different angles. There is the lover, the avenger, the madman, and the thinker. It also places him in society, as it considers his relationship with his mother, the role of fear in playing the part and the effect that becoming Hamlet has on the actor. Sir Derek Jacobi had stage-fright for three years after playing the part. Daniel Day-Lewis, whom we do not see, suffered far worse. The general conclusion that is reached from these actors and also from a couple of Gertrudes, Diana Quick and Susannah York, is that this is a life-changing experience. As Sir Derek says "you are judged by your Hamlet" , Sam West "it takes you to the limit" and Simon Russell Beale "it strips you down to just being you". The main strength of Method to Madness is that it crosses the divide between dry academic treatise and entertaining television production. It is informative but it is well-enough paced to ensure that it never becomes dull. The element that is missing from this production is any kind of view from a director. This is a pity as it would have been interesting to hear ideas from the likes of Peter Brook, Steven Pimlott and John Caird who have directed three of the best of these actors in recent productions. Perhaps this will be Vicky Wayman's next project. Philip Fisher (15th October, 2002)
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