Hamlet, directed by Laurence Olivier, also stars Olivier as the titular Hamlet, the classic Shakespearean tragedy of young Prince Hamlet's quest to avenge his father's murder, destroying his family in the process. Jesse and Shaun differed on the sets with Jesse enjoying the stagecraft and play-like feel of the film, while Shaun felt it was too stagey for a movie. They both agreed the special effects were strong, especially with the representation of Hamlet's father, who remains chilling to this day. Laurence Olivier does a fantastic job as Hamlet, really conveying that sense of madness and determination as Hamlet discovers more and more of the treachery within his family. Shaun felt that Olivier's performance overshadowed the other actors who couldn't match up, while Jesse thought the stage presence of the cast was strong and provided a good foil to Hamlet's madness. Critics of the past critiqued the film for not adhering to Shakespeare's text, but both Jesse and Shaun agree that liberty and reinterpretation should be used in adapting any material from one medium to the next. Hamlet succeeds as a an authentic representation of Shakespeare's work on film, and Olivier shines as Hamlet.
The Red Shoes, directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, is the tale of young ballet dancer, Victoria Page (Moira Shearer), who is torn between her love of dance with the famous Lermontov Company and her composer boyfriend, Julian Craster (Marius Goring). Boris Lermontov (Anton Walbrook) haunts and plays with both Victoria and Julian due to his intense desire to make the world's best dancer. The story is relatable to anyone with artistic backgrounds as Victoria often finds herself at odds with her career and art versus her own personal life. The play within the play perfectly mirrors her feelings of being pulled apart by her lover and her passion, passion being a constant test to excel yourself. Shearer's dancing stands strong throughout the film and she really holds the piece together, she conveys both through face and body language the desperation of Victoria. Walbrook plays a nuanced Lermontov who is mysterious and charming, you never know where his desires really lie. This is an engaging and deep film that draws you as it explores the depths of artistic passion and how far we will go to pursue them.
So which film did the HBLB duo end up picking? The tragic poetry of Hamlet (Highbrow) or the depths of artistic desires in The Red Shoes (Lowbrow)? Listen to the next episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow to find out!
