Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead

PëRMBLEDHJE

Tom Stoppard's screen version of his own hit play, beginning with a splendid long shot of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern making their way to Elsinore, has largely been dismissed by the critics, who disapproved both of his opening out what had been a delightful theatrical experience and his audacity in penning new material. They were also pretty scathing of the performances by Gary Oldman and Tim Roth. Yet, combining verbal dexterity with precise slapstick timing, they capture the boredom and bewilderment of these two Hamlet also-rans with disarming charm. Richard Dreyfuss as the Player and Ian Richardson as Polonius also score palpable hits. Undeservedly much-maligned.