Word: hamel
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Othello's very evident aggregation of wasted and misdirected talent exacerbates the woe. Jeff Branion has remarkable stage presence as Othello, but his considerable energies dissipate in delivery. Jonathan Hamel displays flashes of brilliance as Iago, but his overall characterization seems more vaudevillian than menacing...
Chris Hull, as Stanislas, effectively expresses silent anguish in the first act, but the trouble starts when he opens his mouth. He cannot rival Benjamin's stage presence. This is partly due to his poor elocution--he has a tendency to rush or mumble his words. Director Jonathan Hamel only exacerbates the problem by having Hull deliver many lines while facing upstage. To be fair, Hull's performance is not awful, but it is not as compelling as his outlandish character demands...
...Hamel's direction is skillful. Aside from occasionally awkward and distracting blocking, his staging is fluid. He trusts the script enough to allow actors to remain still on stage, letting the power of Cocteau's ideas hold our interest. Hamel should also receive the credit for an inspired set design, which beautifully highlights what Cocteau called the "false classicism" of this play set in the 19th century...
...Hamel pays close attention to chosen details, such as the bowl of green apples and the secret door behind the King's portrait. The library is dominated by a banner of a two-headed eagle and a large staircase, and this scene nicely captures the gothic feeling of the play's fomenting intrigue. The Queen's bedroom is also perfect example of mood decorating, all dark blue curtains and mellow lighting...
...count is lying. These character are living in a fairy tale, albeit it a twisted one. Just as Lynch perverts the myth pf small-town America, Cocteau turns the myth of European aristocracy on its head. This production is not perfect, but thanks to Benjamin's riveting performance, Hamel's subtle direction and some competent supporting actors, The Eagle Has Two Heads is compelling. And like any fairy tale or David Lynch movie, it is not easily forgotten...