Take "Hamlet." Strip it to it's bare bones. Throw the bones as high as you can up into the air. Assemble them in whatever order they land and you'll pretty much have the plot to "Let The Devil Wear Black."It's been a long standing policy of mine never to criticize an actor for taking a shot at the role of Hamlet. (Even a barely recognizable Hamlet like this one.) I mean, what actor worth his salt *wouldn't* take a run at Hamlet? And truth be told, Jonathan Penner does takes his best shot at it. Unfortunately, Penner and Title torpedo the effort with orgulous writing and plot developments so painfully aimless I kept hoping for Zombie Shakespeare to rise from his grave, shamble onto the set and start ripping those responsible for this embarrassment limb-from-limb.

I find it mildly amusing to read the comments of self-styled critics who derive great satisfaction from their ability to string words together in a quasi-intellectual and wannabe MEANINGFUL fashion....the art-house intelligentsia. Yeah some of us other terrestrials HAVE in fact a working knowledge of HAMLET even to the point of realising that this here little number IS in fact a modernistic, though agreed, unspectacular re-working!Who gives a flying doughnut if "shooting at night is problematical?" and/or every option available to the aspiring director in charge? Carol Reed in technologically simplistic times came up with THE THIRD MAN, a flick for which "the dark" is synonymous with "mood" and "noir." The problem with this film is not one of inappropriate filming techniques or even the unreasonably slated "script" (let him who is without sin.........etc) it is the fact that you actually have to LISTEN! The film does not sidle up to you and nuzzle your leg saying "Pick me up - aren't I cute?" The characters regrettably are simply unendearing and with all the spontaneity of those from ANOTHER WORLD.For all that, I have seen way worse than this and despite cranially displaced assertions that barely one scene in its ninety minute run-time might be said to momentarily hold one's attention, there is in fact a film here you just might get something out of, if you TRY! It IS after all just a film, NOT a philosophical dissertation!

wow i just saw this last week and i loved it. The cast is amazing, Mary-Louise Parker as a bi-polar Ophelia, Jonathan Penner as an angst ridden hero, Jamey Sheridan as an evil Claudius, Phillip Baker Hall, Maury chaykin, it's so funny and well done. Doesn't talk down to you.A truly excellent Hamlet adaptation.The look of the film also deserves mention, it is lush and eerie. Very well directed.

"Let the Devil Wear Black" is dark, sexy and smart modern interpretation of "Hamlet". Distinctively noirish, this clever film maintains a fast and steady pace that explores the deep rooted psyches of the main characters. Although the film surely would be characterized as a thriller, the writing and directing are strong enough to justify "Devil" as a character piece as well. Stacy Title's wry sense of humor is apparent from beginning to end. Furthermore, Ms. Title's shooting style, complemented by Jim Whittaker's cinematography, is more imaginative and animated as compared to her previous film "The Last Supper". This film is funny, tragic and engaging. It is truly a gem and not to be missed.