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image: Quentin Crisp sitting at a table with his right hand touching his chin.
For those who admired him for his Intellect, Humanity and Courage.
 Dedicated to the memory of
Quentin Crisp
"To know all is not to forgive all, it is to despise everyone."
- Quentin Crisp

Hamlet

Image: Front cover of the video cassette release of the film Hamlet. Released : 1977

Stars: Anthony Meyer, David Meyer, Helen Mirren, Quentin Crisp (as Lord Polonius)

Director: Celestino Coronada

This film is unique in its use of role splitting (several different people play Hamlet), and Helen Mirren plays both Ophelia and Gertrude. This is definitely a film that all theatre/drama producers should watch in order to see another creative way a text can be reinterpreted.

Reviews

Ok I've just watched it.
It is an unusual interpretation to say the least!
Actually it was quit interesting and did hold my attention till the end.
While I was watching it I would have said I liked it, but now looking back I would have to say that I feel a bit cheated.

I won't go into too much detail as some of you might watch it someday, and I would advice you to do so if you are interested in Quentin - the actor.
Which brings to the main point of the review.
Quentin plays Lord Polonius and while I approached this with considerable apprehension, I was very very pleasantly purprised. Remember this is 1977, and was the first 'real' acting role he had done. He is excellent. You would have no idea that he was not a trained professional actor. His performance holds up perfectly against the other 'professional' actors, even Helen Mirren.
And yes he can speak Shakespeare.

Now as to why I felt cheated!

Having watched a few of Quentin's scenes my appetite was much wetted for his speech to Laertes. But it never happened. Indeed most of the major speeches don't! - No sililoquey!

Quentin's performance here is every bit as good as in Orlando - yes it is.
However because this is definitely not a main steam film (Quentin would have called it an 'Art House Film') I doubt many will ever even see it. So he will always be better known for Orlando. Pity.

Add to this the full frontal nudity (it has become known as 'The Naked Hamlet'), which goes from 'titilation' to almost p**n, means it is not a film which could be shown in just any circumstance.
Which is a great pity especially as the nudity is by no means neccessary and frankly is there for a self evident purpose.

No Helen Mirren does not appear nude - or Quentin!