William Shakespeare's Hamlet is a 1996 film version of William Shakespeare's classic play of the same name, adapted and directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also starred in the title role. It stars Derek Jacobi as King Claudius, Julie Christie as Queen Gertrude, Kate Winslet as Ophelia, Richard Briers as Polonius, and Nicholas Farrell as Horatio.
It is notable for being the first unabridged screen version of the play, running for slightly over four hours. (The film also adds a single word: 'Attack!') A shorter edit, approximately two-and-a-half hours long, was shown in some markets.
Branagh set the film with Victorian era costuming and furnishings (it was later said to have been set during the Polack Wars). Blenheim Palace, built in the early 18th century, became Elsinore Castle in the external scenes. The film's budget was $18 million.
Hamlet was photographed in Panavision System 65 by Alex Thomson. It was the last feature film photographed entirely in the 65mm film format as of 2006.
The film is very visual; most of the play's many monologues and soliloquies are accompanied by silent flashbacks or dream sequences depicting the events being spoken of. Hamlet's famous reminiscence of the jester Yorick, for instance, is accompanied by a flashback depicting the man himself performing for the child Hamlet.