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.