After my second viewing, I have to re-iterate that this was in every way a masterpiece. There's no two ways about it.
Comparisons have been made to Hamlet on multiple fronts, and even the main character himself has a similar name. However, as an avid fan of the play Hamlet itself, I won't deny the similarities whilst standing firm on the idea that this only echoed a few scenes from the play such as act 4 scene 4 and act5 scene 1.
If you've read my other notes about this movie, you'll know the story is mainly about a character driven by an intense drive for revenge for having his right to the throne taken away as a boy, only to lead a life of slavery. His revenge was entirely on the premise that his uncle took the throne for himself and ignored some of the more nuanced reasons we are told later on in the film.
Speaking of the reasons, we quickly learn that the motivation behind the killing moves beyond that of pure ambition. In-fact, it could be argued that the Queen played a bigger part in the rationale.
I think this film is a perfect characterisation of the limits people go to in order to seek revenge. It teaches us, that the thirst for revenge can lead us to lose our heart whilst taking another's mind.
In terms of the cinematography, simply beautiful. Dark, yes, but overall the right colour grade to bring to life the period and also mood.
My small criticism lies in the fact that I wish the other two big hitters in Hawk and Dafoe had more time on screen.
This is a film that sounded Shakespearean from the beginning and grabbed me from the very beginning. I recommend it.
10/10
I don't pass those ratings out capriciously.