It is a critical commonplace that Shakespeare's Hamlet is a play that brings to the fore a self-created reality that, through the leading character's changing monologue, becomes the core of evolving consciousness. In this respect, the documentary Three Days of Hamlet, directed by Alex Hyde-White, while displaying Hamlet's inner passions and fears, focuses on family bonds, human feelings, as well as the long-standing dichotomies Nature/Nurture and Nature/Culture where patriarchal values were of utmost importance. In my opinion, this film takes spectators on a journey that shows a different reality that merges with fiction and makes us watch the images 'beyond the canvas': a subtext whose meaning should be unveiled, while letting viewers question not only the psychological issues that the characters display, but also the 'ghosts' of the past that sometimes haunt people's lives. The amazing cast includes Stephanie Powers, Richard Chamberlain, Peter Woodward and Alex Hyde-White, who also plays the role of the actor/manager confronting his father's ghost. They all offer amazing performances that, together with the great editing and brilliant soundtrack, lead us to a delightful , yet thought-provoking world where art is always valued and never forgotten. For this reason, Three Days of Hamlet is a very moving documentary that - due to its invaluable contribution to understanding Shakespeare's Hamlet - should be also considered for academic purposes as it could be enjoyed by many scholars and students alike.
Review of Three Days of Hamlet
