ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD
A film review by Kevin Takahashi
Copyright 1991 Kevin Takahashi
Written and Directed by Tom Stoppard Cast: Tim Roth, Gary Oldman, Richard Dreyfuss
What we have here is a case of an excellent adaptation of a brilliant stage play. Tom Stoppard has done a fabulous job of both adapting and directing his play for the screen.
I believe this is Stoppard's directorial debut (at least in film), although his screenwriting credits include BRAZIL, as well as screen adaptations of J. G. Ballard's EMPIRE OF THE SUN and John LeCarre's THE RUSSIA HOUSE.
For those of you unfamiliar with R&G, think back to Shakespeare's HAMLET. Remember those two guys who hang around with him for a little while and then are gone? Those are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Minor characters in Shakespeare's play. Now imagine this: Watching HAMLET through the eyes of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. This is what R&G ARE DEAD is all about: having HAMLET happen around the bewildered and confused R&G.
To be glib, R&G ARE DEAD can be described as an intellectual "Who's On First?". Indeed, there is much verbal fencing and witty dialogue, that I almost would recommend that those unfamiliar with the text rent it first ... (or read the play) ... so as not to miss a lot of the texture. I'm not going to dwell upon plot anymore, because I've said all I'm going to say about it. That's the general outline, and to say any more would be a foul and hideous deed, indeed.
Another thing that makes R&G ARE DEAD a real treat are the performances of Tim Roth (last seen in Robert Altman's not-so-good VINCENT AND THEO) and Gary Oldman (STATE OF GRACE, etc.) as the befuddled, bewildered duo. They pull of their roles with grace, savoir-faire and charm ... (seemingly) effortlessly portraying R&G. Definitely tour-de-force performances, with few histrionics, and with much subtlety. This is what I believe makes R&G ARE DEAD a superior adaptation ... the fact that subtlety comes across much easier on film than on the stage. A subtle facial expression which may not make a great impact on stage (due to the scale) can make all the difference in a film, and it does here. There are times when both Roth and Oldman make a scene so funny just by a slight change in facial expression. Richard Dreyfuss is also wonderful as the Player, the leader of a travelling theatre troupe that plays at Elsinore.
Tom Stoppard does a fabulous job of directing, as well. He has created an Elsinore like no other Elsinore ... to quote another review "... an Elsinore by way of M. C. Escher...." Don't take it literally ... but Stoppard's Elsinore is a wild and wacky place. He has made some textual changes to accommodate the transition from stage to screen and, I believe, added some material. The sight gags are plentiful enough and a sight to behold, neither staid nor cliche, but fresh and witty.
All in all, this is a film to be experienced. Lovers of the play
*cannot* be disappointed, and for those who are not familiar with R&G
should find it an enlightening look at HAMLET. Those unfamiliar with
HAMLET as well may find the experience confusing, but hopefully an
entertaining one nonetheless. Go see this. Please.
RATING: 10/10
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