Hamlet

Just watched the Royal Shakespeare Company's Hamlet on PBS and I must say how disappointing it was considering how much of it was excellent. The production itself was wonderful and "recreated' for television (not just a film of a stage production.)  I just couldn't get past David Tennant's Hamlet. He seemed more hammy actor finally getting a chance at a big juicy (as in ready for scenery eating) part of a lifetime than an actual "heir" to this ultimate of roles. He was outshone by almost everyone. Not a good sign in Hamlet. Maybe I'll watch it again in a week or so and see if my initial reactions stay the same. Perhaps I'm missing something. Could this be Tennant's way of mimicking insanity? Hamlet hasn't fared so well on the screen lately. Not since Derek Jacobi's BBC version in the 80's has a really convincing taped performance come off completely. Even Kenneth Branaugh was all wrong as Hamlet. It did not help that Jacobi was Claudius. And only idiots liked Mel Gibson's "bug-your-eyes out" and rush through the long parts to get to the action scenes portrayal (or betrayal as the case may be.) Ethan Hawke, though obviously talented, seemed all at sea, and sadly, unconvincing as well. Does this play only work (with a few notable exceptions) on stage? Evidence seems to point that way.