Jude Law in 'Hamlet'
When a big-name Hollywood celebrity returns to the stage, it's always a risk. Jude Law has taken the biggest risk by playing Shakespeare's most complex and multi-faceted character, Hamlet.
Well, it seems that Jude Law's risk has paid off with the production becoming an official Broadway hit. Last week, it was revealed that his $2.5 million production of Hamlet is in profit after less than a three-month run at the Broadhurst Theater in New York.
I think that high-profile productions like this are important because they connect with new audiences like never before. Already, Jude Law has attracted hundreds of young audience members and exposed them to Shakespeare for the first time.
Also, it's heart-warming to see Shakespeare become a huge commercial success on Broadway.
The production runs until 6 December 2009 - Have you seen it? Do you rate Jude Law's Hamlet? Share your reviews here for other theater goers.
Photo © Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images
Comments
I saw him 3 times, and he was great!!
Law is a very physical, intense Hamlet–some reviewers felt he wasn’t contemplative enough. I liked his performance though, and I’ve seen a lot of Hamlets (maybe my favorite was Ralph Fiennes). The rest of the cast is weaker, especially a squeaky-voiced Ophelia, though Laertes (Gwilym Lee) is good.
I agree with the physicality. And the weaknes of Ophelia’s character – an essential part which seemed too easily solved on behalf of the actress by making her merely weak. But Law really did carry the performance through, by underlining the brisk, physical rashness that Hamlet does not possess in action. I do, however, think he lacked some of Branagh’s sensitivity and contemplating, wavering doubt. He did manage to astound greatly with his amazing phisique. A great first Hamlet, and a great Hamlet for the more experienced viewer.
To me Hamlet seems to be the ultimate test for a good/great actor.
I saw him in London and NY. Both performances were terrific. Yes he is an energetic, emotional Hamlet, less brooding and more frantic than other performances I have seen. But it’s his interpretation and he does it wonderfully.
Jude Law’s playing Hamlet wasn’t really that big a risk. He has solid credentials as a classical stage actor. Three years or so ago he played Marlowe’s Dr Faustus at the Old Vic powerfully, for instance, to strong reviews. There’s no Hamlet that everyone will agree on, of course, but Law’s certainly holds its own. So did David Tennant’s (Dr Who) in 2008 RSC production with Patrick Stewart as Claudius. That one is supposed to be out on DVD soon.
…sorry, make that the Young Vic, where Law did Faustus
I saw the show three times and I’m still flying high. It was the best performance I ever saw on Broadway or any where else. Jude was haunting and Larger than life. The memories that i have of the show are of an enormous stature – he projects bigger than he does on screen. Unbelievable. A true inspiration.