Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead
In this cleverly inspired twist on William Shakespeare's Hamlet, two of the outrageous supporting players takes center stage for a dazzling game of illusion and reality that delivers one of a kind entertainment!
Member Reviews
You'll Either Love It or Hate It! - Dudley_Do-Right
The reviews for this movie appear to be divided into two extremes:
- The group that loved this movie;
- The group that loathed this movie;
Although I'm a big fan of both Tim Roth and Gary Oldman, this movie's humour weren't to my personal taste. I have to also note that I'm not a big fan of Shakespeare's work either. I think that that's the key issue that separates the two groups. So if you're a fan of Shakespeare you'll probably like this movie and relate to its humour. If you're not that keen on the Bard's work, you will not like this movie.most quotable film ever - fennel
"Pragmatism! Is that all you have to offer?"
This adaptation of Tom Stoppard's absurd existential riff on Hamlet is wickedly clever. Previous experience with Hamlet is a prerequisite, as the premise grows from the identity confusion of two minor characters in Shakespeare's play. I find that I return to this film over and over, appreciating its layers visually and script-wise. A philosophically dense film, and full of playful twists.A comedy with a pedigree - afokenr
Based on the play by Tom Stoppard, "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead" focuses on the hurtling doom of two supporting characters in Hamlet. Their universe has already been penned by the bard as the story of the indecisive prince. They exist within it, not really understanding why. As the arc of the play itself flits in and out of their paths, they become drawn in and out accordingly. The rest of the time, they are left to decipher their raison d'etre - detectives trying to solve thy mystery of their purpose.
The dialogue is brilliant. The contemporary vernacular outside of the play flows seamlessly with the Elisabethan prose, as if Shakespeare's words were merely the customary manner of addressing royalty. But Oldman and Roth bask in Stoppard's script. One story in the Special Features tells of how they would rehearse scenes that had already been shot, just because they enjoyed them so much.
If you enjoy Shakespeare, and especially if you love Hamlet, this is one movie you must see. Stoppard's play on the premise is comic genius. This is truly "high-brow" comedy.
Member Reviews
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You'll Either Love It or Hate It! - Dudley_Do-Right
The reviews for this movie appear to be divided into two extremes:
- The group that loved this movie;
- The group that loathed this movie;
Although I'm a big fan of both Tim Roth and Gary Oldman, this movie's humour weren't to my personal ...most quotable film ever - fennel
"Pragmatism! Is that all you have to offer?"
This adaptation of Tom Stoppard's absurd existential riff on Hamlet is wickedly clever. Previous experience with Hamlet is a prerequisite, as the premise grows from the identity confusion of two minor characters ...A comedy with a pedigree - afokenr
Based on the play by Tom Stoppard, "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead" focuses on the hurtling doom of two supporting characters in Hamlet. Their universe has already been penned by the bard as the story of the indecisive prince. They exist within it, not ...