Three Days (2012) Reviews

• A group of actors come together to put on a production of Hamlet in just 3 days.

  trish-ty2013-02-23

  A production that is part theatre part film and part documentary seems an unlikely project but Alex Hyde-White's Three Days (of Hamlet) has turned out to be inspired. A group of actors coming together to put on a production of Hamlet in three days escaped complete chaos by, what we call in Britain, "Blitz spirit" and sheer talent. Although most of the cast were reading their lines credit must be given to Iva Hasberger who,as Ophelia, had learned her part and was therefore able to perform her descent into madness with abandon! I found myself completely immersed in the characters and Alex's retrospective account of his relationship with his father and also relationship with his own sons. His father's comment that great talent usually skipped a generation and Alex's response that as he has two sons of his own, he hopes it does, I found incredibly moving. But he need not worry, his portrayal of Hamlet was beautiful, so gentle and had me enthralled. Talent didn't skip a generation!! I now feel the need to read the play myself, something I haven't done since seeing Richard Chamberlain play the part 45 years ago at the Birmingham Rep.

• Remarkable and original docu-drama.

  bbcasting2011-06-25

  What starts out as a story about a father and his sons becomes a treatise on life, death and all in between. Using "Hamlet" the play as a starting point, which is unveiled during intense rehearsals and one performance over a three day period, we enjoy the stories of the actors behind the scenes (including Richard Chamberlain, Stefanie Powers, the remarkable Iva Hasperger, Peter Woodward and Joseph Culp) and watch them "hold the mirror up to nature." Human nature is the stuff of great drama, never moreso in this unexpected independent movie. A wonderful sense of discovery is in store for the viewer, particularly in the funny on-camera commentary of method actor (and teacher) Tom Badal, who plays Claudius in the play. The troupe come together, much in the same way that "troupes" always have, under actor/manager Alex Hyde-White, whose unique vision enabled this story to be told. Obviously benefiting from terrificly diligent editing (Sharon Rutter, Edo Brizio are credited), this film is highly recommended. Documentary filmmaker Louis Yansen is credited as a producer. Strong recommend, look out for "Three Days (of Hamlet)" at festivals. You will be in for a treat. It makes Shakespeare easy to understand.

• 3 Days is a film well worth seeing

  jackiedwrds62011-05-03

  This film was a delightful piece with many layers and meanings, both the Hamlet story that we know and the personal stories of the cast and crew. The editing was skillful and added the the many story levels and the actors (Alex Hyde-White (also the director and writer) Stefanie Powers and Richard Chamberlain to name a few) were superb and the behind the scenes footage was surprisingly thoughtful, funny and at times moving. The traditional story of Hamlet abbreviated somewhat and was done in the style of a 'reading' after only 3 days of preparation. It was an extraordinary vision and accomplishment for the film's writer/director, Alex Hyde-White. A film well worth watching.

• Insanely Inspirational!

  penguinsbysea2013-12-11

  What an amazingly brave, imaginative and brilliant idea! I have to give it a massively, enthusiastic "WOW! For someone more romantically inclined like my teenage self, studying 'The Scottish Play' playing Banquo, at school with a less than inspiring teacher, was reason enough to feel less than enthusiastic about another of the tragedies, except of course for Romeo and Juliet, which was dreamily elevated to the sublime, helped along enormously by a deeply romantic crush on Laurence Harvey, the Romeo of the day and heart-throb of all my fellow classmates at my 'girls only' Cotswold Grammar School. Not difficult to understand then that Hamlet wasn't high on my bucket list until many years later, when seeing it performed in the open air by the Tour de Force Theatre Company in an atmospheric production, set against the splendid back-drop of Arundel Castle in West Sussex, brought it energetically alive. Yet, still, even then, the real spirit of Hamlet evaded me, that is, until I had the amazing good fortune to watch the crazy, chaotic, arguably insane, but incredibly imaginative and totally inspirational production of 'Three Days of Hamlet'. Only then did I first begin to magically hear and unravel the music of the language, to understand and become enthralled by the endlessly rich story of the noble Prince of Denmark in a production which eclipses anything I have ever seen. Alex Hyde-White has created a uniquely compelling, profound, frantic, exhausting, exceptionally brave and brilliant portrait of this deeply emotional play which will, without doubt, open up the minds and hearts of school children the world over who are studying Hamlet; it could change their world if only they had the opportunity to see it. The multi dimensional concept of this ingenious production is totally captivating as we see two stories running parallel, giving us a fascinating and intimate insight into the real lives, vulnerabilities, insecurities and strengths of the phenomenal cast as they take on their roles and tell the story. As always, Richard Chamberlain is powerfully magnificent, Stephanie Powers, Iva Hasperger, Alex Hyde-White Tom Badal all superb as is the whole cast. 'To thy own self be true!' Alex Hyde-White, your father would be so proud; your vision of Hamlet is a triumph! You, and your wonderful cast have enriched my life making me adore Hamlet and for that, I salute you.

• very engaging and absorbing

  jessreevesjr2013-04-12

  Fascinating and adeptly handled. Alex is very engaging as are the other cast members. It is quite a fascinating project to observe. Highly recommend.The editing is of particular interest and the historical flashes of father and son and Alrx with his own sons makes it all the more interesting. Done with a very gentle and respectful hand. While I would have substituted Chamberlain for Claudius and the actor in that for I do hope Mr. Hyde-White will continue to apply his rather intelligent and ...nuanced touch again and again. I remember seeing him play Romeo in which he was amazingly on target scene after scene. His sense of the texts in both renditions is quite natural and brings out a unique side of the characters in both roles that is fresh and touching. One can only hope that this is not his farewell to cinematic offerings as he has so much indeed to offer, based on these pieces.