In Franco Zeffirelli's Hamlet, starring Mel Gibson, Hamlet is found in the same place his father was buried. The underground graveyard is a very dark place where Hamlet shows his true sadness towards his fathers death and goes on to debate suicide. The darkness of the underground graveyard makes the scene seem more deep and depressing than it seems. Along with the darkness, the fact that he makes this soliliquoy in the presence of his fathers grave gives the audience the effect of how deeply Hamlet's fathers death has on Hamlet.
In Lawrence Olivier 's Hamlet, the scene is shot with Hamlet sitting on the edge of a cliff with a knife to himself. The fact that this scene is shot on the edge of a cliff with a knife makes the shot more intense. It intesifies the seriousness of his attempt at death as he can both stab himself or hop off the cliff and fall to his death. Also, the fact that the scene is black and white causes you to pay more attention to the actor and his props rather than the costumes and other distractions.
In Kenneth Branaugh's Hamlet, Hamlet is seen in the middle of a big room with Ophelia and Polonious and King Claudis watching his actions. King Claudis and Polonious watch from the other side of the mirror that Hamlet is facing. This mirror allows the audience to truly understand the concept that Hamlet is fighting with himself over this decision. Also, having King Claudis and Polonious watch Hamlet gives the scene more shock as you can see their reaction to Hamlet's action.
in Lawrence Oliver's Hamlet, I like how you pointed out that the black and white movie stopped the viewers from being distracted from other things in the background. I also agree with you that watching King Claudis and Polonious reaction to Hamlet's behavior shows the viewers the severity of Hamlet's thoughts about killing himself. Good observations Justin. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job with this Justin! I thought that you were very descriptive of every version of the soliloquy. I like how you mentioned in Branaugh's version that the mirror represents Hamlet debating with himself. Very well done! :)
ReplyDeleteMentioning that Olivier's adaptation of Hamlet was shot in black and white is valid and was overlooked by many of us even though it was right in front of us. Like you mentioned, it makes us pay more attention to other features in the scene.
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