Riz Ahmed’s modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, “Hamlet: Slumlord Millionaires,” presents a fresh take that, while intriguing, struggles to achieve a cohesive vision. This latest rendition marks the fourth interpretation of “Hamlet” to hit the screens in just 16 months, demonstrating the play’s remarkable resilience to reinvention.
The film features Ahmed as Hamlet, a troubled Indian Dane who returns to England for his father’s funeral after spending several years abroad. The narrative is set against the backdrop of Elsinore, a real estate empire built by Hamlet’s father, while Fortinbras is reimagined as a community activist group led by Marcellus, portrayed by Eben Figueiredo. Notably, many characters have been omitted; several of Horatio’s lines are reassigned to Ophelia, played by Morfydd Clark, and much of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s roles are absorbed by Laertes, played by Joe Alwyn, or Polonius, portrayed by Timothy Spall.
The film shines brightest when it fully embraces its South Asian context. In the opening scene, Hamlet grapples with the complexities of his father’s Hindu funeral rites, showcasing his internal conflict. The film’s pace quickens when Hamlet encounters the ghost of his father in a dimly lit alley behind a nightclub, a moment heightened by the actor’s delivery of Shakespearean lines in Hindi, complemented by an unsettling alteration of voice that amplifies the eerie nature of the scene.
Additionally, the play within a play transforms into a vibrant Indian dance sequence, where performers with red-stained hands reenact the murder before Claudius, played by Art Malik. The film’s depiction of Polonius’ death is notably graphic, crafted to create the illusion that Hamlet is indeed killing his uncle.
However, these creative choices fail to coalesce into a compelling contemporary narrative. Much of the action unfolds in upscale settings, leading to scenes of restrained characters engaging in dialogue. Hamlet’s iconic “To be or not to be” soliloquy is delivered while he speeds down the freeway, a moment that feels both overly dramatic and underdeveloped. The characters of Claudius and Gertrude, portrayed by Sheeba Chaddha, lack depth, which detracts from the impact of the climactic moment that substitutes a duel with a wine toast. Hamlet’s attempt to return Elsinore’s land to the displaced poor is conceptually strong but falls flat in execution.
While Ahmed’s portrayal of one of Shakespeare’s great tragic figures is anticipated, his performance often conveys a monolithic sense of sorrow. Director Aneil Karia, who previously won an Oscar for his short film “The Long Goodbye,” which explored South Asian identity in Britain, could have forged a more profound connection with the Bard’s work. The film’s engaging moments hint at the potential for a truly significant cinematic experience.
Hamlet
Starring Riz Ahmed. Directed by Aneil Karia. Written by Michael Lesslie, based on William Shakespeare’s play. Rated R.
