"To Be Or Not To Be . . ."

In Olivier's version of Hamlet, there was a variety of descriptions for effects and the overall acting of Olivier. First of all, the setting was on top of Hamlet's Castle probably while on the edge facing the ocean. If he would to fall, it would be a painful death. With the technology they had in the late 1940's, I wouldn't expect much out of the film, but it did impress me. There wasn't much of an overdose of generic special effects and Olivier seemed to play Hamlet really well. He gave the mood of whether he was to decide if he wanted to go on in life or not, which is what Shakespeare meant to write in Hamlet's soliloquy. Also, there was a bit of music, but it was cut off within the first half of the scene. If the music was added throughout the scene, I believe it would've been more of a deep feeling that is expressed throughout the scene. A dagger is used as a prop which is dropped into the ocean. That shows Hamlet is conflicted still whether fighting all this off is worth it still.

Zeffirelli's version is the best by far. The choice of choosing Mel Gibson as Hamlet fits perfectly (disregarding Gibson's troubled past of course). The emotion Mel Gibson portrays throughout the scene is so depressing that I can interpret more of what the soliloquy means with the scene compared to reading. Although, I was quite disappointed that there was no music. A choice of quiet ominous music would of fit perfectly with the setting of the catacombs. In addition, the catacombs were as very good choice for the setting. It fits in with what Shakespeare originally intended the scene to be as Hamlet is depressed and conflicted with so many problems.

In Branagh's version of the scene, I was a little bit confused for a while. It was odd to notice how angry he was while he was facing the mirror. Also, the addition of handling the dagger in such a fashion lead more onto the fact that he's angry rather than depressed. In a way, I can see how Branagh wanted to use a different tone for the scene, but compared to all the other versions with depressing tones, this was the most opposite. But, I felt the very low music wasn't really a good addition for the scene. It didn't affect the mood at all since we were already convinced that Hamlet is angry rather than depressed (which the music portrays as depressed).

In Almereyda's version of Hamlet, the setting is a movie store. Almereyda's approach for a setting was definitely a surprise compared to the other version's choice of setting. But, one thing Almereyda is known for is the fire that is shown on T.V.'s which is displayed in this scene. It shows the resemblance to the depths of hell. Also, the choice of walking down the "Action" isle in the store showed the conflict of Hamlet walking down the path whether to fight back or not. I thought that was a very good addition. But, the music didn't fit well with the setting. Why would you play very depressing music in a movie store?

Overall, the decision of how to portray Hamlet's soliloquy is always different. No version will be the same since every person has a different opinion on it.

The Ghost Scene [Hamlet]

The Zeffirelli version of the ghost scene seems to be the best one in my opinion. Mel Gibson played Hamlet just as I imagined Hamlet would be. At first when he met the ghost, Gibson was terrified, but he was infatuated with anger when he realized that his father was killed by his uncle. The ominous music in the background fit the scene perfectly with King Hamlet's character and it really made the scene one to remember. Since the two characters were on top of a building at night, there was no need for lighting so Zeffirelli was spot on. Also, special effects were not needed so once again the director did an amazing job. In addition, the scenery fit the "dark" tone of King Hamlet's ghost perfectly. I wouldn't say there would be any way to change the scene since Zeffirelli did an amazing job on it.

The Branagh version of the Ghost Scene was not appealing. The director decided to use too much effects which ruined the whole scene. The ghost reminded me of a "demon" figure, yet he is Hamlet's father, not one to be afraid of. His eyes were a key figure in the creepiness added into the scene. But, I noticed King Hamlet's ghost was dressed in black armor compared to the white armor the ghost war in the original version by Shakespeare. It was a good contrast that seemed to be needed with all the dark lighting and horrifying background the forest seemed to play as. Branagh used visual elements such as flash blacks to which he was poisoned by Hamlet's uncle. I thought that gave a better sense to the viewer to what actually happened since the dialogue was hard to comprehend.

The last version was directed by Almereyda. As a modern scene for the ghost scene, the props and background was a good touch. Also, the fire playing on the television added a good sense of doom or despair. Ethan Hawke (Hamlet) seemed to be afraid of the ghost throughout the whole scene which was good, but I didn't like the ghost because I'm stuck on the fact that King Hamlet's ghost is supposed to be dressed in black/white armor. Although, the modern interpretation of an all-black-suit was a very good replacement. No visual elements were added that were an appeal to me, but the music in the background was a good add.

With what I saw in these different versions, I would make the scene to be on top of a castle in which only the ghost and Hamlet could appear, as in Zeffirelli's version. Also, Hamlet would be in fear until the ghost would tell him that his uncle killed his father which would enrage Hamlet into swearing revenge onto him. The most important thing to do in this certain scene is to have the perfect portrayal of the ghost. I thought Zeffirelli did the best, but Branagh exaggerated too much when it came to special effects and lighting. Which would be one thing that I would not succumb to.