"Hamlet" is the first British film in 25 years to be filmed in 65mm. The man charged with capturing the look of the film was cinematographer Alex Thomson. The chance to use the 65mm format was irresistible for Thomson. He had been preparing to shoot "Nostromo" in 65mm for David Lean when the director died. "The fabulous advantage of 70mm is the sharpness of detail it gives, which can look three-dimensional at times," says Thomson. "This film has glorious sets and costumes and the widescreen format really brings them out".
"Why did you [Kenneth Branagh] choose to film "Hamlet" in 65mm? "The glory of 70mm is the sharpness of the images it offers. With 70mm, we get a chance to go from what is essentially a personal, domestic story about a family and its' problems to the epic dimension that reflects the effects of those problems on the nation. We can go from the very intimate events in the court to the plains of northern Europe and see Fortinbras for the opportunistic leader he was, ready to invade with thousands of soldiers. 70mm is able to give that tremendous sweep so you feel the impact of the story, but it also has an incredible delicate touch, too."
Spoiler: