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- First reviewMarch 29, 2010
- Last reviewMarch 29, 2010
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lenna's Reviews
Overall rating
5
/
5
Heart-stopping
PostedMarch 29, 2010
lenna
from Arlington, MA
This was my 2nd HD opera at the movies (enjoyed "Simon Boccanegra" equally in Feb., likewise "Peter Grimes" & parts of others on TV encores in the past) & I say it was hair-raising, heart-stopping & totally absorbing.
While not able to touch the surpassing genius & imagination of Shakespeare or the Verdi Shakespeare operas, Thomas' work is very, very good. I felt so lucky to experience it & would even enjoy hearing some of his alternate versions of the final two acts.. It's is full of the right atmosphere, drive, some memorable melodies & melting instrumental solos beautifully played. Keenlyside's expressive voice, imagination & total concentration as Hamlet puts you in the middle of a great, world-class performance of Shakespeare's character alone, aside from the music. But much is added. Petersen's Ophelie was a gentle but determined foil - "imploding" while Hamlet "explodes" - as they said. If you have heard recordings that treat her music as empty vocal fireworks there was none of that feeling here. I agree that Morris began sounding tired as Claudius (unlike his deep,dark,solid Fiesco a few weeks ago) but he regained strength & presence. Larmore as Gertrude managed to create the kind of visual character I've always imagined. The depth of detail went right down to the bit parts. Just watch the expressions & body language of Horatio, Marcellus, the pantomime players & those gravediggers! The chorus too. I'd love to mention any number of moments from the staging & stark scenic effects but I don't want to spoil it for you all attending the encores!
While not able to touch the surpassing genius & imagination of Shakespeare or the Verdi Shakespeare operas, Thomas' work is very, very good. I felt so lucky to experience it & would even enjoy hearing some of his alternate versions of the final two acts.. It's is full of the right atmosphere, drive, some memorable melodies & melting instrumental solos beautifully played. Keenlyside's expressive voice, imagination & total concentration as Hamlet puts you in the middle of a great, world-class performance of Shakespeare's character alone, aside from the music. But much is added. Petersen's Ophelie was a gentle but determined foil - "imploding" while Hamlet "explodes" - as they said. If you have heard recordings that treat her music as empty vocal fireworks there was none of that feeling here. I agree that Morris began sounding tired as Claudius (unlike his deep,dark,solid Fiesco a few weeks ago) but he regained strength & presence. Larmore as Gertrude managed to create the kind of visual character I've always imagined. The depth of detail went right down to the bit parts. Just watch the expressions & body language of Horatio, Marcellus, the pantomime players & those gravediggers! The chorus too. I'd love to mention any number of moments from the staging & stark scenic effects but I don't want to spoil it for you all attending the encores!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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