Kenneth Branagh tries hard to shift the essence of a theatrical
production onto film, and succeeds in some parts but fails in
others. The film concerns the lives of several dysfunctional luvvies
brought together by unemployed actor Joe, played by Michael
Maloney. Producing a Christmas-time Hamlet seems a labour of
love for Harper, and the pragmatic approach to the broadening of
Shakespeare brings together quite a mixed-bag of personalities.
Briers and Sessions stand out as the unlikely 'bedfellows', with the
emphasis on theatrical camp. Briers has the best lines, and
Sessions overacts with apparent glee, but several of the
supporting characters seem lightweight in comparison. There is
the usual mix of tragedy and comedy, but at times it does all rather
seem cliched. Basically, they are all good at heart, but struggle
with personal issues that somewhat sidetrack from the plot. In
places it is highly amusing, but some of the gags fall flat on film,
better suited to the extravagance of a stage production. There is a
pantomime quality to the production, and the black and white
presentation is perhaps an attempt to tone down the characters
and the unreality of the situation. All in all though, the film is about
sacrifice and the unravelling of egos. It will certainly help brighten
the odd gloomy evening, but realistically the film lacks bite and
credibility.
production onto film, and succeeds in some parts but fails in
others. The film concerns the lives of several dysfunctional luvvies
brought together by unemployed actor Joe, played by Michael
Maloney. Producing a Christmas-time Hamlet seems a labour of
love for Harper, and the pragmatic approach to the broadening of
Shakespeare brings together quite a mixed-bag of personalities.
Briers and Sessions stand out as the unlikely 'bedfellows', with the
emphasis on theatrical camp. Briers has the best lines, and
Sessions overacts with apparent glee, but several of the
supporting characters seem lightweight in comparison. There is
the usual mix of tragedy and comedy, but at times it does all rather
seem cliched. Basically, they are all good at heart, but struggle
with personal issues that somewhat sidetrack from the plot. In
places it is highly amusing, but some of the gags fall flat on film,
better suited to the extravagance of a stage production. There is a
pantomime quality to the production, and the black and white
presentation is perhaps an attempt to tone down the characters
and the unreality of the situation. All in all though, the film is about
sacrifice and the unravelling of egos. It will certainly help brighten
the odd gloomy evening, but realistically the film lacks bite and
credibility.