Ep 89: Hamlet
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Sir Lawrence Olivier’s 1948 *Hamlet* isn’t just the first non-American film to win Best Picture—it’s the only Shakespearean adaptation ever to claim the top Oscar, a feat that defies both time and genre. The Best Picture Cast confronts the legendary film with a mix of trepidation and theatrical bravado, unearthing a work that’s as much a cinematic experiment as it is a stage translation. Despite the dense Elizabethan language and Olivier’s polarizing, over-the-top performance—criticized by scholar Adam St. John as emotionally detached and 'chewing scenery'—the team finds profound power in the film’s visual poetry: deep focus cinematography, dreamlike black-and-white textures, and a final duel choreographed like a gladiator spectacle. The episode becomes a love letter to performance, proving that even when words are lost in translation, emotion still resonates—especially when delivered with the kind of unapologetic theatricality Grant Z. unleashes in a Meryl Streep-inspired, unedited rendition of 'To Be or Not to Be' that lands as both parody and homage. The hosts revel in their own creative missteps, turning spilled beer and burning carpets into Shakespearean tragedies, and celebrating the joy of imperfection in a marathon that’s as much about community as it is about cinema.
Olivier’s 1948 *Hamlet* is the only Shakespearean film to win Best Picture and the first non-American film to win the award.
Grant Z. delivered the 'To Be or Not to Be' soliloquy in one unedited breath, a flawless, theatrical performance that became the episode’s defining moment.
The film’s black-and-white cinematography, influenced by *Citizen Kane*, creates a dreamlike, theatrical atmosphere despite being shot on a soundstage.
Olivier’s self-directed performance is praised for its ambition but criticized for being overly theatrical and emotionally detached, with scholars favoring modern interpretations like Andrew Scott’s.
The removal of comic characters like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern stripped the play of balance, a controversial choice that altered the tone and pacing.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Lion King Crew Reunites for Hamlet
Host Kieran B. welcomes back the Lion King crew—Grant Z., Artie B., and Jay Dowski—for the long-anticipated Hamlet episode. The team reflects on their five-year promise to reunite when they finally reached this iconic film, setting the stage for a deep dive into Shakespeare’s tragedy.
Shakespeare Anxiety and First Impressions
The hosts share their preconceptions and struggles with Hamlet, admitting they expected a Lion King-style story. They discuss their lack of Shakespeare experience, the difficulty of understanding Elizabethan language, and the mental fatigue of watching a dense, slow-moving film.
The Power of Performance Over Text
The team debates whether reading Shakespeare on the page is as impactful as seeing it performed. Jay draws a powerful analogy: just as a song lyric feels dead on paper but alive when sung, Shakespeare’s words gain meaning through performance, especially when delivered by Olivier.
1948: A Year of Surprises
The hosts pivot to historical context, exploring the 1948 U.S. presidential election, where Harry Truman’s surprise victory over Thomas Dewey became legendary. They also discuss the rare occurrence of faithless electors and the first nationally televised World Series.
Olivier’s Vision and the Making of a Classic
The team examines Sir Lawrence Olivier’s multifaceted role as writer, director, and star. They discuss his controversial cuts to the play, his artistic choices (like the black-and-white cinematography), and the prologue he added—despite it being a confusing addition.
“Meryl! Suck it, Meryl Streep! Give me my Oscar. Look at my eyes right now. I have tears. Amazing. That's the clip.”
“Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.”
“You don't need to understand Shakespeare if it's done right. You can feel Shakespeare.”
Hosts
Guests
sir lawrence olivier
person
william shakespeare
person
jay dowski
person
grant z.
person
artie b.
person
kieran b.
person
gene simmons
person
desmond dickinson
person
peter cushing
person
christopher lee
person
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