'To be, or not to be, that is the question'

Andrew Scott, as Hamlet, performs the opening lines of Shakespeare's most famous soliloquy. (via BBC Arts)

[maxm]

i love this version so much like... it really sounds like he's thinking up the words instead of just reciting them in a Theatre Voice

[Dandyrandy-pkpw]

Many actors interpret this speech as "Try to be as upset as you can."
So when I saw this I was surprised when there wasn't a single tear. It sounded so bleak and careless, like he was just wandering around his own room and talking to himself. I gotta say, it's hypnotic.

[Gigatless]

I like how you can find both Sherlock and Moriarty Hamlet monologue on youtube literally next to each other.

[Graenolf]

"aye, there's the rub" *stops rubbing*

[oskaraltman]

The fact that he stopped the rubbing on his chest to say “ay, there’s the rub” is great

[ekaterinemeiering-mikadze]

Coming from an artistic family background I have heard a lot of interpretations of this most famous soliloquy. Some were as Stanislavski would say believable, some less. But Andrew Scott's interpretation is different, he directly talks to us as we are those who can help him to define his fate. His Hamlet is a raw nerve, fragile with less theatrical overtones. His Hamlet is mesmerising, tortured, hypnotic soul. Simply brilliant!

[mam_bo]

However subdued Andrew's reading may seem, you can still feel this raw energy vibrating inside of him, a mix of rage, fear and love for life that Hamlet still has. Subdued yet sublime.

[flutterbum_bastic]

I love how Andrew Scott sound both tired and heartbroken but also thoughtful and truly contemplating whether or not to continue on in this part. I've also watched David Tennant's version, where is Hamlet is much more depressed and kinda more realistic. Benedict Cumberbatch's version feels like both a realization and a strong desire to just end it all. But I definitely like Scott's version more. The heartache you see in his eyes, the sometimes bitterness in his voice and just his expressions and movements that matches with the monologue - I feel this adds so much more to Hamlet's character and agony.

[hairywampa]

This is a great read. He seems to actually get the irony in this scene. It'd be great to see in context.

[rosvlinds]

best version i know. he just says the words instead of declamating them.

[emagneticfield]

This first time is listened to this video I closed my eyes and just listened to the voice of Andrew Scott in character speaking his lines. I actually watch the video through the second time. Lines that we have heard thousands of other actors deliver.
A very interesting interpretation. I absolutely loved it. Thank you for posting these clips from Hamlet.

[miriamwestlund]

Haha. Moriarty contemplating his death.

[yrazlan]

Can't get enough of this. Andrew scott is absolutely brilliant

[justanothergoogler]

Andrew Scott is an astonishingly good actor. Can’t wait to see the rest of his Hamlet. (He was a knockout in Fleabag.)

[joeym]

Help... I'm imagining this as Moriarty!! So indecisive, it has to be Moriarty!

[badjemima]

I had the amazing good fortune to see his Hamlet at the Almeida. He is one of the best actors around today. Andrew, you are fantastic.

[bethancrowther]

This is amazing. So fresh. His moment-to-moment acting is fantastic. He knows the words and their meaning inside out!

[vickyowen]

To be is a verb. No question about it .

[astaraoneill]

God he’s good! Kudos to the director as well for allowing the pacing that makes this performance so incredibly powerful.

[jenniferallday]

I honestly never realized this monologue was about contemplating suicide. .. granted, I've never watched a performance of Hamlet before either- but I've heard this bit before and it jut never clicked..