As is typical with film adaptations of plays, the cinema allows a lot of flexibility that the stage does not. This engenders a worry. Will the film be true to the playwright's work? There have been enough examples of cinematic Hamlets that stray from Shakespeare's original. It seems not to be a problem here, though, as Tom Stoppard directed the film. It stands to reason that directorial control would keep the film according to the playwright's wishes, even as it differs from its staged precursor.
Certainly there is much that differs here from the stage production that I saw back in 2014. (See 3/9/14 post.) That said, the film is still incredibly enjoyable, and it holds up after repeated viewings. (I think this is my third, although it's the first since this blogging venture began.) Roth and Oldman are excellent in the title roles. It is obvious that they were well-versed in the preparation. The witty repartee flows naturally as it would from two long-time friends.
The lavish scenery adds much to the production. It has a dreamy, confusing quality. The sets add to the Mobius Strip feel of the movie, as action overlaps and staircases lead back to the starting point. The audience is left as the characters, wondering what is dream and what is reality. Add to that the interspersing of scenes from Hamlet. All told, it provides engaging viewing.
Another amusement with this version of the play is the running gag of physics discovery. Oldman's character (Guildenstern?) encounters numerous physics experiments. Acceleration due to gravity, water displacement and buoyancy, even flight are among the sight gags. They provide additional humor to the already humorous work.
Shortly after our heroes were left hanging, the closing credits rolled. (Kudos to Stoppard for using Pink Floyd's song, Seamus, as the background.) This may not be the end here, though. The DVD edition of the film has a second disc, which contains special features. It could be another rainy day diversion.
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