Many of those who come to see Broadway's Hamlet likely are drawn by the star power of Award-winning actor Jude Law, who plays the title role. However, they may find themselves marveling more at the author's wit and craft than at the handsome, animated actor. Law may be a heartthrob in real life, but he is a skilled stage actor who makes an exceptional Hamlet, too.
Law isn't a particularly introspective Hamlet, but who cares? He brings a raw energy and physical power to the role. His face shows a flurry of strong emotions. At times he looks beatific, at other times, almost scary. One sees little evidence of Hamlet's much-discussed madness. When he weeps, he weeps manly tears, quickly whisked away with a brush of his hand.
Law also plays exceptionally well against Geraldine James as Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. Gertrude is as controlled as Hamlet is tempestuous. She displays the elegance of a queen, even when alone with Hamlet. As a mother, she also seems sincerely troubled by her son's behavior.
As Claudius, Hamlet's uncle and newly declared king, Kevin McNally is quietly conniving. His best scene is in the castle's chapel. Kneeling and alone, he clasps his hands and pleads for divine mercy.
Director Michael Grandage likely wants us to see the play from Hamlet's perspective. This is emphasized by the costume designer, who garbs the cast in black and shades of gray (for once, Hamlet isn't the only character wearing black.) A closer examination reveals that the royal costumes stand out by virtue of their fine fabrics and sophisticated tailoring. There's no distracting "bling"- neither from crowns (non-existent), nor elaborate gold embroidery or fancy jewelry.
The set is equally minimal. Black and monolithic in scale, the set shifts imperceptibly toward the look of a prison. This is, after all, how Hamlet views his environment. Lighting black costumes against a black backdrop is a challenge that designer Neil Austin handles particularly well.
Overall, there is a logic and clarity that propels the young prince. Hamlet is intently focused on his sole purpose - to avenge his father's death. All his pent-up emotion eventually erupts in a furious display of swordplay. Hamlet's opponent, Laertes, is equally consumed by the same purpose (despite his father's death being accidental.) As Laertes, Gwilym Lee brings out nuances in his character. The same cannot be said for Gugu Mbatha-Raw. She plays Ophelia, Laerte's sister and Hamlet's love interest. The actress plays her role as a spaced-out, indecisive zombie that makes one wonder what Hamlet sees in her.
Despite this slight disappointment in an otherwise fascinating production, Broadway's Hamlet has charms that should satisfy Shakespeare fans as well as first-time viewers.
