Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead

"We're actors! We're the opposite of people!"

Rosencrantz (Oldman) and Guildenstern (Roth) are confused. They cannot remember anything, including which is Rosencrantz and which is Guildenstern. Rosencrantz is fascinated by insignificant things, such as flipping a coin and trying to juggle. He doesn't want to figure out anything, he's having fun. Guildenstern on the other hand is very sensible and wants to think things through. On their way to their unknown destination, they run into a group of traveling thespians: the Tragedians. After being completely confused by their leader, The Player (Dreyfuss), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are transported from the Tragedian stage, to the interior of a castle. In this castle they are known by the King (Donald Sumpter) and Queen (Joanna Miles), who sent for them. They want Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to talk to Prince Hamlet (yes, that Hamlet) and find out what is wrong with him.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern can't remember anything...they must figure out who they are, how they know Hamlet, what is wrong with him, and how to get home. Their progress is continually interrupted by the Tragedians who have come to castle to entertain the royals.


This is the story of Shakespeare's Hamlet, told through the eyes of two of it's tragic characters (obviously they die, so I'm not ruining anything by saying that...honestly, who doesn't die in a Shakespeare tragedy?). Adapted from the play with the same name, R&G are Dead is a fun look at Hamlet, however to truly appreciate this film (or the play) it is necessary to have a decent understanding/memory of Hamlet. While R&G are present for a good portion of the play, and the Tragedians act out other scenes, R&G do not know the whole story. They eavesdrop on some conversations, they miss the overall gist of the story. Ironically, throughout the film pages from the script of Hamlet fall to the ground, but instead of reading ahead, they ignore the paper or turn it into paper airplanes. The Tragedians attempt to explain the future as well, but R&G are not paying attention, or quick enough to understand the truth.

Roth is convincing as the thinker and does a good job arguing his point, but Oldman is more entertaining to watch in his confusion. Their exchanges are fast paced, so pay attention or you'll fall behind and miss something important. Their games of "Questions" are funny, especially when they don't understand each other. While both men are talented and do an excellent job, Dreyfuss steals the show. He gets to be an actor, playing an actor, playing an actor (think about that one for a bit). It's over the top, but still within your grasp...he is merciless and yet helpful...a great paradox.

--: Shakespeare lovers, rent it...Shakespeare haters, why would you even pick up a film that involves these two characters? (plus it talks about Shakespeare in any description of the film)
Dude, it's quotable: try playing Questions, or just quoting the Questions section.

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead (1990) 117 minutes
Director: Tom Stoppard
Starring: Gary Oldman as Rosencrantz
Tim Roth as Guildenstern
Richard Dreyfuss as The Player