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Hamlet in Russian by Smoktunovsky

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Posted on August 16, 2020 at 08:44:30
Bill the K
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 Anybody seen this Hamlet of 1964 with screenplay by Boris Pasternak? I am told the acting by Smoktunovsky as Hamlet is better than all others in movies. Dont know where I can watch it.

Bill

 

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Here:, posted on August 16, 2020 at 09:10:16
Victor Khomenko
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 https://youtu.be/w16H7Wxtzvs

I don't know if you can find it in English, though.

That film is a real gem. Kozintsev was one of the great directors, and as far as Smoktunovsky - what an actor... such a quiet presence.

I did not know the screenplay was by Pasternak - thank you for reminding of that great work!


 

I know where you can watch it, but there's "a rub." You won't be able, posted on August 16, 2020 at 17:53:52
tinear
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Posts: 65782
Location: Kansas City, KS
Joined: April 9, 2006
 to understand much if you don't speak Russian--- there are no English subtitles. It's on Youtube. If you speak Spanish, you're in luck because someone posted a Spanish subtitled one, as well.

I've seen the Russian one and I can tell you it's one of the best. I don't think there's a single, "best," of such a work.

 

Saw it, posted on August 16, 2020 at 23:57:49
Bill the K
Audiophile

Posts: 8385
Joined: June 3, 2006
 in Russian. I had a book of modern prose Hamlet with me. Actually , pardon me Shakespeare, I did not need any words with the fantastic theatrical acting. To be or not to me was better than the deliberate looking performances of Lawrence Olivier and Richard Burton, the latter looking struggling in the role.

What I admired a lot was the performance of Anastasia Vertinskaya as Ophelia. Fantastic. I wish the Director had made Anna Karenina with her as Anna. All Annas of Hollywood are below par, even Vivien. And who in their right mind would cast Keira Knightley as a Russian Princess.I have not seen Tatiana Samoilova's performance yet.

Best Wishes

Bill

 

Oh... , posted on August 17, 2020 at 06:28:11
Victor Khomenko
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Posts: 55317
Joined: April 5, 2000
 So many people consider Samoilova's Anna the best there is. Of course her stardom began with The Cranes and Flying.

It is such a shame that wonderful soviet cinema was later totally destroyed.

As far as Anastasia - she was largely considered a beautiful face, and I think her beauty turned out to be a double edged weapon. Apparently her last role was that of Margarita in Master and Margarita, but somehow I don't even remember her there.

I got my wife agree to watch Hamlet, and I will try the same trick with Anna Karenina. :)

It is rather unfortunate that some of Smoktunovsky's best performances have never been translated.


 

The Olivier and Burton ones must be considered in the light of the fact that, posted on August 20, 2020 at 18:23:49
tinear
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Posts: 65782
Location: Kansas City, KS
Joined: April 9, 2006
 both were the outstanding theater Hamlets of their day. The elocution, the timing and enunciation, is where their artistry shone. It is difficult for Americans, sometime, to appreciate the British classical stage acting and speech.

 

RE: The Olivier and Burton ones must be considered in the light of the fact that, posted on August 21, 2020 at 00:07:11
Bill the K
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Posts: 8385
Joined: June 3, 2006
 I love British productions. Some of the TV shows like Granada's Sherlock Holmes are the greatest. I saw a list by Literary Hub of 40 Hamlets. I Smoktunovsky came out tops. Seems L Olivier also agrees. He is second. David Tennant, Ethan Hawk, Asta Neilsen follow.Mel Gibson is 9, Christopher Plummer is 14, Nicol Williamsen 15 and Richard Burton 16.Way down at 33 is Jack Benny(1942), Maximllan Schell at 34.

I think Grigori Kozintsev has directed the 1964 movie like a ballet. When Ophelia is on the defensive, she moves backwords and all others move forward. It feels like she would jump up and float lime Makarova.

Best Wishes
Bill

 

Ethan Hawke and Mel Gibson ahead of Burton and Williamson? This should be in the comic thread, above. nt, posted on August 22, 2020 at 18:10:00
tinear
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Location: Kansas City, KS
Joined: April 9, 2006
 d

 

"...somewhat unfortunate." Tragic, I'd say. :-) nt, posted on August 22, 2020 at 18:11:11
tinear
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Posts: 65782
Location: Kansas City, KS
Joined: April 9, 2006
 d

 

RE: Ethan Hawke and Mel Gibson ahead of Burton and Williamson? This should be in the comic thread, above. nt, posted on August 23, 2020 at 09:30:40
Bill the K
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Posts: 8385
Joined: June 3, 2006
 I was wondering about it. Mel Gibson of all people.

Bill

 

Keanu Reeves, years back, mentioned he was making a "Hamlet." If he had, I have, posted on August 23, 2020 at 11:54:16
tinear
Audiophile

Posts: 65782
Location: Kansas City, KS
Joined: April 9, 2006
 little doubt the guy who made the list would put him third or fourth... Smoktunovsky, however, is a fine "Hamlet."

 

RE: Keanu Reeves, years back, mentioned he was making a "Hamlet." If he had, I have, posted on August 23, 2020 at 12:23:30
rivervalley817
 featuring Alex Winter as Yorick?

regards,

 

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