Bill Murray attempts at not being his iconic Bill Murray-self are un-availed in this production of Hamlet. Even the Shakespearian dialect does not alter Murray's well known comedic personality. Murray’s Polonius is subtly comical, yet concerned for his children’s wellbeing. He seems like a realist when it comes to dealing with Hamlet, but also knows that he does not mean any of what he is saying.
Hamlet Directed By Michael Almereyda (2000)
Bill Murray as Polonius
Reviews
“Bill Murray had never done Shakespeare before and Polonius is a difficult role that would challenge any actor. If this is a Jazz Hamlet, Murray’s Polonius is a wonderful improvisation. Instead of trying to make himself into Polonius, Murray riffed his own persona into the part. His first great hurdle was how to speak the all too familiar lines of paternal advice to Laertes. Would he be a prating fool or a wise father? He spoke his homily, pared down to a minimum, as if paying lip service to his own hypocrisy. Establishing his character as an intrusive father he helps the departing Laertes pack and secretly slips a roll of bills into his coat pocket before urging him, 'Neither a lender nor a borrower be.' Then hugging his son he gives the camera and the audience one of his trademark 'Can you believe this?' grimaces. This Polonius is neither wise nor foolish. He is the ingratiating, but ironic, clown that has made Bill Murray a success.”
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