In the range of sexual attractiveness, she's far better matched with her son Gibson is, after all, considered the most devastating physical presence in the world. But she's clearly of the same generation as her son, so much so that her new allegiance to her dead husband's brother seems somehow inappropriate, almost indecent. Zeffirelli, of course, chose Glenn Close for Gertrude (she's brilliant also). When they are alone in her bedroom after the murder of Polonius, the drama is shrill but never unsettling. As played (brilliantly) by Eileen Herlie, she's a mature but not asexual woman who is definitely a generation apart from her son. However secretly incestuous and Oedipal Hamlet's yearnings may be, in Olivier's 'Hamlet' mama is definitely mama. Lycoming Critic’s Corner takes a periodic look at timely and interesting films.There are strange deviations in interpretations, too. No doubt Cumberbatch’s staging - which runs a walloping 217 minutes - will have many fine and memorable scenes as well. That always seems to be the case with just about any version of this endlessly fascinating play. There’s no such thing as a perfect “Hamlet,” but each of these brings something new and interesting to the table. This version has the added benefit of a very young Michael Caine as Horatio, an even younger-looking Donald Sutherland as Fortinbras and sensational work by Robert Shaw as Claudius best known as the tough sea captain from “Jaws,” Shaw shows off his Shakespearean background with a gripping and nuanced performance.

Plummer is excellent, and the authentic backdrops - including a night scene filmed by the ocean! - really add zest and vitality to the proceedings. Entitled “Hamlet at Elsinore,” it was staged live for television in 1964, performed on location at the actual Danish castle where the play takes place.

Mel gibson hamlet full movie