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Helen Mirren's First Role as Queen, 1977

Yorick | 14.03.2007 13:58 | Culture

Helen Mirren has achieved recent prominence (and controversy in the minds of some) for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II. It is therefore interesting to compare this to a film in which she appeared some 30 years ago.

This was an highly original version of Hamlet, directed by Celestino Coronado, although some would say more of a shortened re-interpretation than a literal performance.
Helen Mirren stars as Queen Gertrude. The most striking feature of the film is that Hamlet is played by twin actors, thus emphasising the possible question of our heros split personality. Almost as striking is the high content of toplessness, sadism and homoeroticism. The central scene in this version is not the graveyard, nor the killing of Polonious, nor indeed the conventional finale, but the Play Within, (The Murder of Gonzago). If you could imagine Alesiter Crowley directing this on a no-budget film set, then you'll have some idea of the fun awaiting you, dear viewer !
Seriously, its a fascinating watch (and brief, at only just over an hour). Proof positive that Shakespeare in the right hands continues to be supremely relevant.

Yorick

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  1. Alas poor Shakespeare — Ulin Deblueix