Hamlet

Apart from Kenneth Branagh, it seems that most modern filmed versions of Shakespeare's plays have been set in some kind of modern, quasi-fantastical setting which is clearly set in the present, but with a fusion of more surreal elements. This adaptation of the oft-filmed Hamlet is uses a more down to earth and realistic modern setting, transplanted into New York (evidently with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art). Unlike Branagh's lavish four hour full reading of the text, this reading cuts down the play to a more manageable length, largely due to a restricted budget. As part of the restriction, Carter Burwell was only able to write his score for a small chamber sized orchestra, although most of the time, only a few instruments are playing at once.

Burwell sticks resolutely to the moodier approach of Morricone and Shostakovich rather than the warmer music of Patrick Doyle. Unlike the distinctly folksy, but strangely lumbering theme for Fargo, there are few strongly melodic moments. Unfortunately there is not really a great deal else to maintain the pace of the score. When the pace quickens a little does the music become interesting, Darkroom introduces a subliminal backbeat that pulses quietly to ensure the music moves along. All too often though, very little actually happens and even moments that apparently call for something dramatic, the music barely seems to rise to the occasion. Wiring Ophelia and the Funeral are highlight tracks that use piano arpeggios against a woodwind and string, a style that echoes Philip Glass and is perhaps the most effective moment of the score.

While suitably atmospheric, I can't help but feel that this is a score that most likely plays better in counterpoint to the text than it does on its own. The electronic rhythms used in Darkroom could perhaps have been effectively employed elsewhere, similar to what Doyle achieved in his eclectic score to Great Expectations. It is more than acceptable to have scores without instantly memorable melodies, but one still needs some kind of musical direction and unfortunately this particular scoring of Hamlet just doesn't have enough. Despite a few tuneful moments there is not a great deal that ultimately sticks in the memory.