Hamlet /

Hamlet is a 1996 film version of William Shakespeare's classic play of the same name, adapted and directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also stars in the title role as Prince Hamlet. It co-stars Derek Jacobi as King Claudius, Julie Christie as Queen Gertrude, Kate Winslet as Ophelia, Michael Maloney as Laertes, Richard Briers as Polonius, and Nicholas Farrell as Horatio. The film is notable as the first unabridged theatrical film version of the play. The complete film runs just over four hours. The longest version of the play prior to the 1996 film was the 1980 BBC made-for-television version starring Derek Jacobi, which runs three-and-a-half hours. A shorter edit of the Branagh film, approximately two-and-a-half hours long, was shown in some markets. Although the dialogue is unchanged, the play's setting is updated to the 19th century. Blenheim Palace is the setting used for the exterior and the grounds of Elsinore Castle. Interiors were all photographed at Shepperton Studios and blended with the footage shot at Blenheim. Hamlet also has the distinction of being the last major dramatic film to be filmed entirely in 70 mm film as of 2010. The film's budget was $18 million.