Hello everybody, I have produced a student film version of this speech and any feedback anybody thdy can offer would be most appreciated. Its on my channel.
Derek Jacobi never made a wrong or boring move on stage or screen in his life. Branagh should have been content to direct and cast "Hamlet." Daniel Day Lewis would have been stunning in that production. As for Mel Gibson's movie, well, it did finally end.
"To sleep..." and yes, I'm just about ready to do that...
Watched all of the majors at this piece tonight, SDJ, Branagh, Gibson, Burton, Olivier... Burton, magnificent as he is, still didn't phrase it as though he knew what the words meant; Gibson was surprisingly good; Branagh was unique, but the flashes of SDJ watching him through a two-way mirror stole it from him; Olivier was surreal. Winner (if such a designation doesn't trivialize this cornerstone of Western Civilization): SDJ,by a nose.
Wow! I heard every word (which is more than I can say for every other version I've seen). And I love the sarcasm and craziness he gives it. By far the best version of this soliloquy I've ever heard.
I have the utmost respect for Sir Derek Jacobi, but his reading here is not to my taste. I can see why some people would like it, though. He delivers each line with admirable earnestness. However, I prefer the speech spoken with a kind of focused puzzlement - as if Hamlet were trying to find in his own words the key to his philosophical impasse.
Incidentally, I never took the speech as about him considering suicide. I took it as more as him lamenting the general lose-lose absurdity of life.
pretty please, monologue from Closet Scene in my channel. advice/criticisms/thoughts pretty please! monologue from closet scene. lemme know, thank you so much. starting up posting shakespeare work. thank you!
Well, this is a rendering that rivals Gibson's! I love Derek Jacobi and didn't know this was out there! I like when Hamlet is played with that worry and fear, that vulnerability. I think Shakespeare meant him thus as this type of rendering of the character is when one can best understand the meaning in his language. Jacobi is really superb in everything, from I, Claudius to Frasier! Now I have to look up more DJ as Hamlet ...hooray! Thanks so much for posting this!
in my opinion, he is saying these words very genuinely, he clearly understands their meaning, he says them with such authenticity and passion. But there is just one thing I have a slight problem with, this is meant to be a soliloquy, he shouldn't be directly directing the words towards the audience, but rather, I feel he should be thinking out-loud to himself; by making eye-contact I know he was just trying to connect, but I feel as if it takes the authenticity away; JUST MY OPINION.
The one thing that I really don't like with Jacobi's recitation is the fact that he looks right to the camera. Hamlet is speaking to himself. His only "business" on stage seems to be to tell the audience the lines. I really see not person toiling with the underpinning question that Hamlet is posing to himself. Without the video, just listening to Jacobi, I actually like what he does vocally in a few instances. However over all I find this to be sub-par as recitations of Shakespeare go.
I was lucky enough to have my first experience with Hamlet be this Masterpiece Theater production, on public television of course! Or, maybe bereft of luck, in terms of enjoying others' portrayals of the disturb'ed Dane.
Beautiful handling of the verse, but there's nothing beneath it. Jacobi's rendition of "To be or not to be" here is simply a guy rambling on about something he finds mildly interesting. There's a lack of any sort of meaningful stakes behind it.
Of course, Jacobi has always struggled with this soliloquy. (He's more recently decided that it should be delivered in its entirety to Ophelia, but I think that may be simply because he doesn't know what else to do with it.)
Derek Jacobi, a favourit Hamlet of mine, is not imposing a doubt as romantic Shakespeare cliché. No.. his thoughts are simply private: a vulnerable Hamlet, his despair is on the rim of insanity. His voice vibrates the feeling perfectly...the content counts here not only the beautiful words. At the and he tends to be indifferent: he had made a decision. Spirit of evil is nearby.....
This is quite an incredible performance! His emotion is very strong and clear. He really makes you think by the tone of his voice that he is sitting around, mulling these thoughts over a cup of tea. I really love how comfortable he sounds with the monologue, too! Great performance!
This is supposed to be a soliloquy, right? Then, why is he obviously talking to either a camera, an audience or somebody else in that place? Hamlet's supposed to be talking to HIMSELF. Also, he used the wrong tones and times to say the famous soliloquy
@ShatteredxSpiritx Better than Garrick? Booth? Barrymore? Gielgud? Burton? Burbage? Olivier? Evans? Kean? Bernhardt? and countless other fine actors? Wow...are you really that old, or do you channel those performances to make your authoritative judgment that Sir Derek (who doesn't even think The Bard wrote the play) was THE BEST EVER?!!!
@1948BigCy 1. Actually, I 'm 14. 2. They were good, but he is my favourite for his amazing talent at portraying emotion. 3. What does it matter what his opinion in that is? He is amazingly talented, and I enjoy his work :)
@ShatteredxSpiritx I respect your opinion; I was responding to your silly comment that this performance is the BEST EVER. Say it is the best you've ever seen, or something sensible like that. I saw this years ago and was impressed, so I bought the tape. I now find it ponderous. Derek is effete and his acting overdone for a TV adaptation IMO. Claire Bloom, tho, is stunning as Gertrude...
Jacobi is extraordinary-He actually becomes his roles. It is as if he puts on a mask and costume, enters the stage and suddenly, it isn't a stage, he isn't a mere actor, but a marvellous, astonisingly complex character- not merely repaeting the lines of a genius-but feeling, using and simply holding them in such a way, he becomes the man he is portraying. Truly breath-taking!
I am sorry because Derek Jacobi is one of the great great actors, but he did not do justice to this scene. Does this man look like he is contemplating suicide? No! But look further for anther interpretation by the same actor and you may find satisfaction yet :=)
I love Sir Derek's Hamlet. His interpretation of this monologue is unique because instead of approaching it as brooding and moody, he delivers it very thoughtfully, introspectively. I can see how that might startle someone who's used to this done more darkly. In the context of Jacobi's full performance, it makes perfect sense--it's one of the few times we see him not acting insane.
There is only Sir Derek, right now. Everyone else is running for second money. Don't think so? Check out his Alan Turing. Ben Kingsley is about the only living actor in his league since Paul Scofield passed away
I love how his emotional state keeps up the with rapid and antithetical changes in intellectual perspective, especially in the 'to die, to sleep no more... perchance to dream' bit.
Although I don't like some of his choices and tactics, it is still very very good. Branaugh needs to really take notes here; especially on variety. Jacobi clearly has the thought before he speaks. He has a situation that he is actively trying to solve; that is acting.
While I really like Branagh's film for being extremely well made and thus far the only adaptation of the entire second quarto text, I find Derek Jacobi's performance of the troubled prince to be the best I have seen.
He also did a brilliant performance in the BBC adaptation of 'Richard II', which is probably Shakespeare's most underappreciated play.
How anyone can consider his acting bad astounds me.
At least he has the gall to look a bit distressed, seeing as he's supposed to be thinking about topping himself. Branagh delivered this like he was talking about the weather.
The first time I saw this clip, I thought it seemed a bit ridiculous, but then I watched it again and really concentrated... what a unique performance! I don't think he overacts- I think he does precisely what the text calls for.
I'd be so interested to see what a performance of this in Shakespeare's day looked like.
You calling Derek Jacobi's "Hamlet" "crap" shows just what you know about one of the greatest living Shakespearean actors today - absolutely NOTHING. This man set the bar for this role, as Kenneth Branagh, who considers him his mentor, readily admits.
@steiffbar if it moves you it moves you, knowledge has little to do with it, this is a lighter interpretation in my opinion that isnt as touching, still very good though, just not the style i like it .
@steiffbar It is crap. He delivers the soliloquy like a parlor trick, and completely divorced from the circumstances of the play. He comes in with some form of preparation (albeit an extremely superficial one, he looks like he is mildly nervous about a date) and completely drops it, stepping up to recite the soliloquy as though it were a Halmark card.
He is an example of an old school of Shakespearean acting, a very presentational school that has died out (thank god), for a very good reason.
I'm confused now, well sort of... Watching Gibson's version I was annoyed by the fact he says pitch instead of pith... now I've watched Jacobi's several times, but this is the first time I've noticed he also says pitch...but why? It's supposed to be pith and I know both actors say pith correctly in one or two.. or more other scenes... just seems odd to me that they both deviate the same way I guess, lol. Anyway, either way it is said I've found myself addicted to this work from Shakespeare.
There's something about this Hamlet that makes him, modern. I have seen many different actors playing this part and they are all different, they all give something new to these lines. I wish I had seen this actor doing this on stage. The camera work has its limitations when someone is on stage and not in a studio. But still, I enjoyed it.
I didn't think he was crazy enough. I felt at this point in the play, the lines between hamlet's madness that he is portraying and his actual madness that some scholars say existed are starting to become blurred, and I wasn't feeling it. But still a very good actor.
At first I hated him, but now @_@ I can't stop listening to him cite this soliloquy. The way he recite this is like...awesome. @_@ ASLDJFASKL;FDAJ TO BE OR NOT TO BEEEEEEEE!!!!!
To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
Maybe in this soliloquy Jacobi is not particularly brilliant, but his overall interpretation of Hamlet is superb. It is far superior to Sir Laurence Olivier's one, which in my opinion fails to render the huge ironic side of Hamlet's character. And I say this out of mere fairness, as someone who usually is very very partial to Olivier, and not a great fan of Jacobi.
I believe it must be noted that this performance consists of Jacobi speaking mainly to a camera/audience-a style of film that, although powerful at times, should be noted to weaken this particular performance in some perspectives...It condradicts his inward conflict, questioning the audience rather than himself.
Please, feel free to respond, but note I am only a student trying to make observations in order to progress in my thespian knowlege.
But a key element of this scene (by most interpretations) is that Polonius and Claudius are watching him, and that helps Claudius get support for his plan to send Hamlet to England. It's not an aside, it's a soliloquy. That is to say, he's talking to himself, not to anyone. But he is being watched, so he can be heard.
Indeed it runs the risk of looking too much like Hamlet is performing, as opposed to thinking, but looking into the camera draws the audience into his argument.
I much prefer this version to the Branagh one as you can see an actual argument, a debate.
@missbabyice I'm not really agreed with you. Hamlet looks so self-conscious, but Hamlet wasn't self-conscious. He was maybe the most worriing person ever.
I agree that it is nice that he looks into the camera, but that is not what Hamlet should do. He has to make a choice between life or death. That is a very difficult choice for Hamlet to make.
But for the self-hugging and a few strange inflections, I really like this version by Jacobi. It's nice to see the soliloquy delivered with a bit of guts instead of the usual passive navel-gazing.
If Jacobi has guts in this soliloquy, mean you haven't really seen other interpretations like: Kenneth Branagh or Mel Gibson. Guts is more than a powerful voice... I am not saying that Jacobi is not a good Hamlet i am just saying that were some others, better than him.
Branagh, guts? I don't think so. Although there's nothing wrong with the quality of his performance, Branagh's soliloquy is delivered in little more than a whisper on the verge of tears. It's anguished and frustrated, but sure as hell not gutsy.
Gibson's version DOES have more to it, but so what? It just means there's two such performances instead of one. My original point still stands: too many interpetations have Hamlet as a maudlin, self-absorbed, whiney, procrastinating drip.
as in you love someone but they don't reciprocate, so you end up despising the emotion, or them for not loving you back, etc.
The word "dispriz'd" is used in the first folio edition of Hamlet, whilst "despis'd" is used in the earlier Quatro format version of the play. Most critics use this earlier version.
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You mindless, weak minded imbecile! 'despised love' is certainly NOT correct! you can think what you like but your explanation is feeble, "desprized love' when you win some ones heart, only to lose it, like a prize, of course you, being an imbecile, will no doubt think other wise, don't bother me again, i am too intelligent and far too important to banter words with the likes of you.
You say I'm incorrect, and yet you give no evidence to back up your claims. Both words were used in different editions of the play, as I said. Such an emotive response shows a distinct insecurity in your beliefs. It's quite sad that you get so worked up over a single word in a play... Come back when you have some perspective and evidence that I'm wrong.
Too intelligent and too important? Arrogant more like... at least that's how you come across.
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what an idiotic comment. No one knows about shakespeare! it's all based on theory! you obviously know much less than I, so shut up and stop making a fool of your self.
as in you love someone but they don't reciprocate, so you end up despising the emotion, or them for not loving you back, etc.
The word "dispriz'd" is used in the first folio edition of Hamlet, whilst "despis'd" is used in the earlier quarto format version of the play. Most critics use this earlier version.
Perfect. How rich this Hamlet part is... just compare with Branagh, Olivier, Gibson... it's always a different approach. Fascinating. I love how you can feel the deep anxiety in Jacobi's voice.
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Hello everybody, I have produced a student film version of this speech and any feedback anybody thdy can offer would be most appreciated. Its on my channel.
johncswheatley 2 months ago
I love this man, he is the best.
santiagopablo1 3 months ago
Burton..the best...all the moderns drivel like 20th Century inspired, wet, "new men."
priapus56 4 months ago
Jackson Hedley!
jackspicerisland 5 months ago
An argument against one master and for another instead of talking about how great BOTH were?!?! c'mon...
thecrimsonfloyd 5 months ago
Siddown, Kenneth. But thank you for playing. ;)
GhostTracker 6 months ago
Jacobi actually got me to better understand this monologue. Brilliant!
riethc 6 months ago
Derek Jacobi never made a wrong or boring move on stage or screen in his life. Branagh should have been content to direct and cast "Hamlet." Daniel Day Lewis would have been stunning in that production. As for Mel Gibson's movie, well, it did finally end.
unclealand 7 months ago
One question, please: Is this from a film version of Hamlet or is this the play that was filmed? Thank you to the kind person that answers.
Minus3Hertz 7 months ago
I would listen to Derek Jacobi read the phone book. My favorite actor, and even he has questions about Shakespeare authorship.
Raelspark 8 months ago
"To sleep..." and yes, I'm just about ready to do that...
Watched all of the majors at this piece tonight, SDJ, Branagh, Gibson, Burton, Olivier... Burton, magnificent as he is, still didn't phrase it as though he knew what the words meant; Gibson was surprisingly good; Branagh was unique, but the flashes of SDJ watching him through a two-way mirror stole it from him; Olivier was surreal. Winner (if such a designation doesn't trivialize this cornerstone of Western Civilization): SDJ,by a nose.
tuxguys 8 months ago
The greatest Hamlet that I have ever seen. Olivier is great, but Jacobi is greater.
SymphonyBrahms 8 months ago
Tennant is my favourite Hamlet, but Jacobi is my very close second.
randomwerewolf 9 months ago
This man is Hamlet God......Derek Jacobi = love.
Ziggychan 9 months ago
Wow! I heard every word (which is more than I can say for every other version I've seen). And I love the sarcasm and craziness he gives it. By far the best version of this soliloquy I've ever heard.
MATTY0MOO 10 months ago
Amazing....effortless......Hamlet mocking his own indecision, flabbergasted and lost.
Jacobi is one of the best
aquamurdoch 10 months ago
I love how he goes from playing Hamlet in this version to playing Claudius in the Branagh...and he's great at both!
pulchramsartago 10 months ago
did ppl in shakespeare's day talk to themselves a lot?
zeratulghost048 10 months ago
@zeratulghost048 I think they were called people then...
MATTY0MOO 10 months ago
I have the utmost respect for Sir Derek Jacobi, but his reading here is not to my taste. I can see why some people would like it, though. He delivers each line with admirable earnestness. However, I prefer the speech spoken with a kind of focused puzzlement - as if Hamlet were trying to find in his own words the key to his philosophical impasse.
Incidentally, I never took the speech as about him considering suicide. I took it as more as him lamenting the general lose-lose absurdity of life.
rockhammer85 11 months ago
Best execution of the line "to be or not to be" I have ever heard
BarmyCoolPants 11 months ago
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pretty please, monologue from Closet Scene in my channel. advice/criticisms/thoughts pretty please! monologue from closet scene. lemme know, thank you so much. starting up posting shakespeare work. thank you!
gettingtoknowme 1 year ago
Well, this is a rendering that rivals Gibson's! I love Derek Jacobi and didn't know this was out there! I like when Hamlet is played with that worry and fear, that vulnerability. I think Shakespeare meant him thus as this type of rendering of the character is when one can best understand the meaning in his language. Jacobi is really superb in everything, from I, Claudius to Frasier! Now I have to look up more DJ as Hamlet ...hooray! Thanks so much for posting this!
dc8058 1 year ago
Brilliant.
ur2c8 1 year ago
in my opinion, he is saying these words very genuinely, he clearly understands their meaning, he says them with such authenticity and passion. But there is just one thing I have a slight problem with, this is meant to be a soliloquy, he shouldn't be directly directing the words towards the audience, but rather, I feel he should be thinking out-loud to himself; by making eye-contact I know he was just trying to connect, but I feel as if it takes the authenticity away; JUST MY OPINION.
CloudX100 1 year ago
0:25
Jommbies 1 year ago
0:25
Jommbies 1 year ago
Mel Gibson made a better Hamlet :D
Radcliff2107 1 year ago
He says "To sleep... perchance, to--DREam." as though he is crapping himself midway.
Completely untruthful, ridiculous.
You want to see some good Shakespearean acting? Look up Ian McKellen doing Macbeth's "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow."
jsterninmoser 1 year ago
this is the 8th damn time I have had to watch the to be or not to be speech in the past couple days, enough already!
ALoosepenguin 1 year ago
he is not starring at the camera.the audience is the focus always.
bubbah671 1 year ago
The one thing that I really don't like with Jacobi's recitation is the fact that he looks right to the camera. Hamlet is speaking to himself. His only "business" on stage seems to be to tell the audience the lines. I really see not person toiling with the underpinning question that Hamlet is posing to himself. Without the video, just listening to Jacobi, I actually like what he does vocally in a few instances. However over all I find this to be sub-par as recitations of Shakespeare go.
sinatrabooth89 1 year ago
Perhaps the best recitation of this soliloquy I have ever heard... Certainly among the best.
tuxguys 1 year ago 2
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angelofsorrow21 1 year ago
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angelofsorrow21 1 year ago
@angelofsorrow21 LOL.......yeah, P Diddy woulda done it a lot better.
TeenCretin 1 year ago
I was lucky enough to have my first experience with Hamlet be this Masterpiece Theater production, on public television of course! Or, maybe bereft of luck, in terms of enjoying others' portrayals of the disturb'ed Dane.
BrucknerMotet 1 year ago
My favourite, so far, I must say. ^_^
WarriorQueen2 1 year ago
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Please come watch my new Ophelia animation. Look on my channel or search the Youtube search box for "The Ophelia Diaries" ~ I hope you like it.
nanogirl 1 year ago
Beautiful handling of the verse, but there's nothing beneath it. Jacobi's rendition of "To be or not to be" here is simply a guy rambling on about something he finds mildly interesting. There's a lack of any sort of meaningful stakes behind it.
Of course, Jacobi has always struggled with this soliloquy. (He's more recently decided that it should be delivered in its entirety to Ophelia, but I think that may be simply because he doesn't know what else to do with it.)
triad3204 1 year ago
Derek Jacobi, a favourit Hamlet of mine, is not imposing a doubt as romantic Shakespeare cliché. No.. his thoughts are simply private: a vulnerable Hamlet, his despair is on the rim of insanity. His voice vibrates the feeling perfectly...the content counts here not only the beautiful words. At the and he tends to be indifferent: he had made a decision. Spirit of evil is nearby.....
The BBC series are a must see!
Contextcatcher 1 year ago
Such an amazing actor, this is how Shakespeare should be portrayed in theater.
Inspireftw 1 year ago
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This might sound blasphemous, but I actually think he's better as Claudius in the Branagh version of Hamlet.
Beppo85 1 year ago
This is quite an incredible performance! His emotion is very strong and clear. He really makes you think by the tone of his voice that he is sitting around, mulling these thoughts over a cup of tea. I really love how comfortable he sounds with the monologue, too! Great performance!
heyitskelseylol 1 year ago
Derek Jacobi is the best Hamlet. Nobody at all can touch him. Plus he made, a sexy Hamlet!
JPPT1974 1 year ago
This is supposed to be a soliloquy, right? Then, why is he obviously talking to either a camera, an audience or somebody else in that place? Hamlet's supposed to be talking to HIMSELF. Also, he used the wrong tones and times to say the famous soliloquy
Greatrune11 1 year ago
Gielgud's heir?
morphybum 1 year ago
You didn't finish! WHY I cry, WHY?
Please post the full version, it is better that way.
albertmullen20 1 year ago
You can actually UNDERSTAND what he's saying because of how great Sir Derek's talent is.
Renfeildette 1 year ago
Best Hamlet Ever, Easily x
ShatteredxSpiritx 1 year ago
@ShatteredxSpiritx Better than Garrick? Booth? Barrymore? Gielgud? Burton? Burbage? Olivier? Evans? Kean? Bernhardt? and countless other fine actors? Wow...are you really that old, or do you channel those performances to make your authoritative judgment that Sir Derek (who doesn't even think The Bard wrote the play) was THE BEST EVER?!!!
1948BigCy 1 year ago
@1948BigCy 1. Actually, I 'm 14. 2. They were good, but he is my favourite for his amazing talent at portraying emotion. 3. What does it matter what his opinion in that is? He is amazingly talented, and I enjoy his work :)
ShatteredxSpiritx 1 year ago
@ShatteredxSpiritx I respect your opinion; I was responding to your silly comment that this performance is the BEST EVER. Say it is the best you've ever seen, or something sensible like that. I saw this years ago and was impressed, so I bought the tape. I now find it ponderous. Derek is effete and his acting overdone for a TV adaptation IMO. Claire Bloom, tho, is stunning as Gertrude...
1948BigCy 1 year ago
I love you, Derek. Best Hamlet ever.
wendythedane1 1 year ago
This man is absolutely brilliant.
GalacticHwy 1 year ago
Jacobi is extraordinary-He actually becomes his roles. It is as if he puts on a mask and costume, enters the stage and suddenly, it isn't a stage, he isn't a mere actor, but a marvellous, astonisingly complex character- not merely repaeting the lines of a genius-but feeling, using and simply holding them in such a way, he becomes the man he is portraying. Truly breath-taking!
ShatteredxSpiritx 1 year ago
personally I prefer Tennant,s performance though sir Derek is still the greatest actor ever!
nintendonut100 1 year ago
Never cared much for this rendition.
orchote 1 year ago
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I am sorry because Derek Jacobi is one of the great great actors, but he did not do justice to this scene. Does this man look like he is contemplating suicide? No! But look further for anther interpretation by the same actor and you may find satisfaction yet :=)
coolhand67 1 year ago
Impressionant!!! I think that it is very difficult to play this part,only someone with great talent can cope with this role.
martaantoci 1 year ago
my favourite Shakespeare's play
bakri107 1 year ago
BBC versions are always the best! :D
TheJOnasSisterz 1 year ago
I love Sir Derek's Hamlet. His interpretation of this monologue is unique because instead of approaching it as brooding and moody, he delivers it very thoughtfully, introspectively. I can see how that might startle someone who's used to this done more darkly. In the context of Jacobi's full performance, it makes perfect sense--it's one of the few times we see him not acting insane.
drifternumber9 1 year ago
Derek Jacobi is doing King Lear in London this upcoming winter. I'll do whatever I have to in order to get over there from Texas.
aCertainSlant 1 year ago 2
He has the nicest bum I've ever seen.
Reneemiles 1 year ago 2
terrible.
israelmonrroy 1 year ago
There is only Sir Derek, right now. Everyone else is running for second money. Don't think so? Check out his Alan Turing. Ben Kingsley is about the only living actor in his league since Paul Scofield passed away
YD8189 2 years ago
I love how his emotional state keeps up the with rapid and antithetical changes in intellectual perspective, especially in the 'to die, to sleep no more... perchance to dream' bit.
saadsultan4444 2 years ago
Although I don't like some of his choices and tactics, it is still very very good. Branaugh needs to really take notes here; especially on variety. Jacobi clearly has the thought before he speaks. He has a situation that he is actively trying to solve; that is acting.
DanielRayHill 2 years ago 5
While I really like Branagh's film for being extremely well made and thus far the only adaptation of the entire second quarto text, I find Derek Jacobi's performance of the troubled prince to be the best I have seen.
He also did a brilliant performance in the BBC adaptation of 'Richard II', which is probably Shakespeare's most underappreciated play.
How anyone can consider his acting bad astounds me.
rigstula 2 years ago 9
At least he has the gall to look a bit distressed, seeing as he's supposed to be thinking about topping himself. Branagh delivered this like he was talking about the weather.
IzDiaries 2 years ago 10
@IzDiaries Who the hell is your weatherman!?
jg2904 4 months ago
I saw the whole thing on stage. The best Hamlet I've ever seen, with depth and meaning.
LynneC 2 years ago 3
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yeah this is pretty bad
teoic 2 years ago
Derek Jacobi FTW.
draven901 2 years ago 4
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This is a terrible performance...
xN3verKnowsB3st 2 years ago
understand that Hamlet is supposed to be mad. As this madness brings his instinctive-ness to life. To actually take action to what he says.
mvpballer23 2 years ago
oh God, he seems crazy
virginiareina 2 years ago
Last Wave Film made a great version of that scene.
ApolloSoyouz 2 years ago
@HogwartsCastle 1980
perplexedmoth 2 years ago
I've never seen this performance - it's definitely my favorite To Be Or Not To Be -- he nailed it!
islandgirl1987 2 years ago
its the bbc one i think
nightmared8 2 years ago
Yeah, the 1980 version.
PersephonePsyche 2 years ago
The first time I saw this clip, I thought it seemed a bit ridiculous, but then I watched it again and really concentrated... what a unique performance! I don't think he overacts- I think he does precisely what the text calls for.
I'd be so interested to see what a performance of this in Shakespeare's day looked like.
sukieisme 2 years ago 2
he sounds really crazy
csfassler 2 years ago
He probably should sound crazy considering he's talking about offing himself..
islandgirl1987 2 years ago
Thanks for posting this, it's been a long time since I saw this jacobean version, my favourite by far!
temporaryparisian 2 years ago
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This is crap.
hasanhasanly 2 years ago
Not enough laser beams for you?
MrAdaLovelace 2 years ago
You calling Derek Jacobi's "Hamlet" "crap" shows just what you know about one of the greatest living Shakespearean actors today - absolutely NOTHING. This man set the bar for this role, as Kenneth Branagh, who considers him his mentor, readily admits.
steiffbar 2 years ago 43
@steiffbar if it moves you it moves you, knowledge has little to do with it, this is a lighter interpretation in my opinion that isnt as touching, still very good though, just not the style i like it .
thewordscantkill 1 year ago
@steiffbar It is crap. He delivers the soliloquy like a parlor trick, and completely divorced from the circumstances of the play. He comes in with some form of preparation (albeit an extremely superficial one, he looks like he is mildly nervous about a date) and completely drops it, stepping up to recite the soliloquy as though it were a Halmark card.
He is an example of an old school of Shakespearean acting, a very presentational school that has died out (thank god), for a very good reason.
jsterninmoser 1 year ago 2
Just the best Hamlet I've ever seen. He IS Hamlet.
kayleighsmithson 2 years ago 3
BEST HAMLET EVER!!!!!!
dorica91 2 years ago 2
I feel like he overacted this. A lot of times, what shakespear wants cones out in the works themselves. Youi don't have to over acti it.
Bobofwestoregonusa 2 years ago
I still want to see a genuinely dark Hamlet, with grit, curled up, overcome with grief.
Tommieb86 2 years ago
i like how he seems to go slightly insane when acting acting hamlet :p
joshonator12 2 years ago
I detect a tiny bit of Dr. Orpheus.
BleedingAnus 2 years ago
Am I the only one here because Jackson Publick told be to?
plaidrabbit1 2 years ago
my favourite Hamlet of them all - I also love Branagh but the way Jacobi delivers those lines makes them feel natural and so easy to understand!
Intervain 2 years ago 2
I think he caputures Hamlet's mood better than anyone....and his prediciment
BallPasteHalo 2 years ago 3
I'm confused now, well sort of... Watching Gibson's version I was annoyed by the fact he says pitch instead of pith... now I've watched Jacobi's several times, but this is the first time I've noticed he also says pitch...but why? It's supposed to be pith and I know both actors say pith correctly in one or two.. or more other scenes... just seems odd to me that they both deviate the same way I guess, lol. Anyway, either way it is said I've found myself addicted to this work from Shakespeare.
RandomCountryGirl 2 years ago
'Pith' is in the original Folio version of Hamlet but in the second Quarto you will find 'pitch'.
Intervain 2 years ago
Ah, thanks for explaining that!
RandomCountryGirl 2 years ago
Has anybody ever declaimed Shakespeare's dialogue as though it was occuring to him on the spot as well as SDJ?
tuxguys 2 years ago 2
I enjoyed it very much. Thank you really for posting this..
JoseEduardoNZ 2 years ago
There's something about this Hamlet that makes him, modern. I have seen many different actors playing this part and they are all different, they all give something new to these lines. I wish I had seen this actor doing this on stage. The camera work has its limitations when someone is on stage and not in a studio. But still, I enjoyed it.
JoseEduardoNZ 2 years ago 2
hamlets a sloppy frog.
theonlyJake1991 2 years ago
yes, he is.
sempremaria 2 years ago
OMG I just got chills
ImmortalChaos 2 years ago
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yeah me to from his horrible acting
newgeneral01 2 years ago
LOLOLOLOLOL TRUE THAT
windywindy 2 years ago
Jacobi has been called the best Hamlet of the 20th century.
Tolstoy111 2 years ago 2
Great actor
talo91 2 years ago
I didn't think he was crazy enough. I felt at this point in the play, the lines between hamlet's madness that he is portraying and his actual madness that some scholars say existed are starting to become blurred, and I wasn't feeling it. But still a very good actor.
RedCarpetKid 2 years ago
NOW I understand that speech!
Thank you Mr. Jacobi, you've saved my A-Level
MeBeMat 3 years ago 4
Nace Face Jacob
gimpzilla 2 years ago
Jacobi is the best Hamlet ever. And one of the greatest stage actors, ever.
villefort42 3 years ago 22
At first I hated him, but now @_@ I can't stop listening to him cite this soliloquy. The way he recite this is like...awesome. @_@ ASLDJFASKL;FDAJ TO BE OR NOT TO BEEEEEEEE!!!!!
cloud0405 3 years ago
guys. you got to watch the entire play and how he builds his world up till this point in the play.
xxxyyyzzzar 3 years ago
He does the BEST melancholy Hamlet EVER!
amadeus5889 3 years ago
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It was from mid-70s TV and done in a stage-style, so should be taken in that context.
I think he's wonderfully expressive in the role. Though I wouldn't say this is my favorite part of his performance.
I recommend the entire production to anyone interested.
BBC Shakespeare series, 'Tragedies'
linshukla 3 years ago
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linshukla 3 years ago
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QueenFugly 3 years ago
An unfortunate consequence of a poor education in regards to the source material. Silly dilly.
villefort42 3 years ago
isn't this the guy who played claudius in the branagh version?
barbarahopps 3 years ago
Ew. What the hell!? This is terrible.
xCAITLINxCHAOSx 3 years ago
This is from the very popular BBC version (PAtrick Stewart was in it)
Although by today's standards it seems dated, it was very well done.
keno3210 3 years ago 2
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this guy is shit ! !
Johnnyyramone 3 years ago
omfg lolz pwned
SirChocoprince 3 years ago
To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
soragarza 3 years ago
is there an echo in this tomb
ybot1983 3 years ago
Maybe in this soliloquy Jacobi is not particularly brilliant, but his overall interpretation of Hamlet is superb. It is far superior to Sir Laurence Olivier's one, which in my opinion fails to render the huge ironic side of Hamlet's character. And I say this out of mere fairness, as someone who usually is very very partial to Olivier, and not a great fan of Jacobi.
dglekjofg 3 years ago
i agree with you! just as i would have said, so thank you :)
pifapastoral 3 years ago
I believe it must be noted that this performance consists of Jacobi speaking mainly to a camera/audience-a style of film that, although powerful at times, should be noted to weaken this particular performance in some perspectives...It condradicts his inward conflict, questioning the audience rather than himself.
Please, feel free to respond, but note I am only a student trying to make observations in order to progress in my thespian knowlege.
eman2489 3 years ago
i think u r right.
hamlet is primary talking to himself NOT to
a camera!
lordhinzor 3 years ago
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darksweetie1 3 years ago
But a key element of this scene (by most interpretations) is that Polonius and Claudius are watching him, and that helps Claudius get support for his plan to send Hamlet to England. It's not an aside, it's a soliloquy. That is to say, he's talking to himself, not to anyone. But he is being watched, so he can be heard.
gymnastcac 3 years ago
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darksweetie1 3 years ago
Indeed it runs the risk of looking too much like Hamlet is performing, as opposed to thinking, but looking into the camera draws the audience into his argument.
I much prefer this version to the Branagh one as you can see an actual argument, a debate.
missbabyice 2 years ago
@missbabyice I'm not really agreed with you. Hamlet looks so self-conscious, but Hamlet wasn't self-conscious. He was maybe the most worriing person ever.
I agree that it is nice that he looks into the camera, but that is not what Hamlet should do. He has to make a choice between life or death. That is a very difficult choice for Hamlet to make.
sannsannx 2 years ago
Self-conscious is exactly what Hamlet is. 'Conscience doth make cowards of us all.' It may be a hard choice but he's aware of it.
missbabyice 2 years ago
But for the self-hugging and a few strange inflections, I really like this version by Jacobi. It's nice to see the soliloquy delivered with a bit of guts instead of the usual passive navel-gazing.
concentricity000 3 years ago 2
If Jacobi has guts in this soliloquy, mean you haven't really seen other interpretations like: Kenneth Branagh or Mel Gibson. Guts is more than a powerful voice... I am not saying that Jacobi is not a good Hamlet i am just saying that were some others, better than him.
hatemondaysdude 3 years ago
Branagh, guts? I don't think so. Although there's nothing wrong with the quality of his performance, Branagh's soliloquy is delivered in little more than a whisper on the verge of tears. It's anguished and frustrated, but sure as hell not gutsy.
Gibson's version DOES have more to it, but so what? It just means there's two such performances instead of one. My original point still stands: too many interpetations have Hamlet as a maudlin, self-absorbed, whiney, procrastinating drip.
concentricity000 3 years ago 2
cheese
akgregor 3 years ago
Check out my version of this scene
Getupoffmydawgpro 3 years ago
oops... sorry about the double post
neuraljam 3 years ago
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you moron, despised love makes no sense..only to an imbecile like you, maybe.
mikemosocw 3 years ago
'despised love' is correct;
as in you love someone but they don't reciprocate, so you end up despising the emotion, or them for not loving you back, etc.
The word "dispriz'd" is used in the first folio edition of Hamlet, whilst "despis'd" is used in the earlier Quatro format version of the play. Most critics use this earlier version.
neuraljam 3 years ago 5
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You mindless, weak minded imbecile! 'despised love' is certainly NOT correct! you can think what you like but your explanation is feeble, "desprized love' when you win some ones heart, only to lose it, like a prize, of course you, being an imbecile, will no doubt think other wise, don't bother me again, i am too intelligent and far too important to banter words with the likes of you.
mikemosocw 3 years ago
"Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing..!"
You say I'm incorrect, and yet you give no evidence to back up your claims. Both words were used in different editions of the play, as I said. Such an emotive response shows a distinct insecurity in your beliefs. It's quite sad that you get so worked up over a single word in a play... Come back when you have some perspective and evidence that I'm wrong.
Too intelligent and too important? Arrogant more like... at least that's how you come across.
neuraljam 3 years ago 3
Surely, if you knew anything about Shakespeare, you'd know his almost fetish-like love for using juxtaposition and oxymorons.
Geckooflife 3 years ago
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what an idiotic comment. No one knows about shakespeare! it's all based on theory! you obviously know much less than I, so shut up and stop making a fool of your self.
mikemosocw 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
'despised love' is correct;
as in you love someone but they don't reciprocate, so you end up despising the emotion, or them for not loving you back, etc.
The word "dispriz'd" is used in the first folio edition of Hamlet, whilst "despis'd" is used in the earlier quarto format version of the play. Most critics use this earlier version.
neuraljam 3 years ago
I like how he speaks to the audience as opposed to other actors who speak to themselves.
cuantrail 3 years ago
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what an awful performance..over the top..and he says despised love when it should be disprized love..
mikemosocw 3 years ago
Nope, it's despised love
Moopcan 3 years ago
I LOVE Jacobi's Hamlet. So honest, mature and fiery...probably my favourite Hamlet ever. Thank you so much for sharing this again! :)
Lothriel 3 years ago
slam this tight lil ass =]?
hey man. im naked!! Vh
nowmo 3 years ago
400 years later, and this play is still so far ahead of its time. Brilliant as ever.
hanshotfirst1138 3 years ago 2
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do you mean 500?
mikemosocw 3 years ago
No, he means 400. Dummy.
Cassio227 3 years ago 2
Perfect. How rich this Hamlet part is... just compare with Branagh, Olivier, Gibson... it's always a different approach. Fascinating. I love how you can feel the deep anxiety in Jacobi's voice.
ladytron72 3 years ago 4
he was the first one to make me actually understand Shakespeare and not just take it in as a string of meaningless words... genius!
Intervain 3 years ago 8
Derek Jacobi makes me swoon.
loveyoutodeathbut 3 years ago
Ahh Derek Jacobi
Always wonderful to see him, though I keep expecting him to stutter (I'll always see him as Claudius)
1michelemichele1 3 years ago
You can hear Derek Jacobi through Kenneth Branagh's voice... Derek was his biggest influence to become an actor, and this clip says it all.
ilovemuchado 3 years ago 3
Sorry but the start of this is quite funny
Brodbroddamned 3 years ago
Truly,
have you seen this whole Hamlet? - thank goodness for an actor who can add humour into the tradgedies
bobpaulsoncaa 3 years ago