This adaptation of Tom Stoppard's classic stage play, directed by Stoppard himself, has some moments of promise and genuine humor. For the most part, the pacing is lethargic which seriously cuts into the film's ability to gain steam. Overall, Stoppard gives a stuttering and distant production.

If you have no idea who Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are, the film will be even more useless. For those familiar with Hamlet, the film will make sense, but will probably only mildly entertain.

The troubles with the production are not the fault of the cast however. Gary Oldman (Rosencrantz) and Tim Roth (Guildenstern) mix well on screen. Oldman is particularly fun as the bumbling doofus against Roth's straight man. Even Richard Dreyfuss gives a notable performance as the snarling, devilish Player - the lead of a traveling theater troupe.

The bottom line is that if you're familiar with the play or this seems like it may be up your alley, it is probably worth tracking down. If you've gotten this far in my review and have no idea what the heck I'm blathering about, you can skip it.


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Labels: film, Gary Oldman, Iain Glen, movie review, Richard Dreyfus, Tim Roth