4/9/09
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Who best performs the "To be or not to be" soliloquy?
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There are many interesting and reoccurring themes in the film Hamlet that we have seen in another Shakespeare play. One of the themes that was revisited was revenge. Hamlet swears to avenge his father by killing Claudius. This theme of revenge was also featured in the last tragic film, Titus. Revenge is an important theme in many of Shakespeare’s tragedies because it invites drama and violence, which make his plays more entertaining.
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or does this Kenneth Branagh guy really like doing shakespeare based films? He has been in like 3 of the films that we have watched in class. Anyway, I have to agree with what Linz said above in how the theme of revenge has been a recurring theme in most if not all of the shakespeare films and plays that we have read so far. It does make each play different in its own way because it keeps the audience at the edge of their seats almost each and every time. I liked this film because when I was doing the reading I was surprised that I actually understood what was going on.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy this movie although it is pretty lengthy. Branagh does a great job of capturing the tortured soul that is Hamlet. Hamlet is tortured because he indecisive about seeking revenge for his father or maintaing his morality. Shakespeares films are usually a pot full of different emotions and events and so it is usually hard for directors to capture all that entails a Shakesperean play. However, I think Hamlet does this excellently.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed watching this version of Hamlet. I find it extremely interesting that Hamlets need for revenge causes him to act in such crazy ways. Unlike many of Shakespeare's characters Hamlet is a very moral person and it was interesting to see the way that he handled certain situations. It seems as though many of Shakespeare's films follow the same theme which is death and revenge. I found this movie very entertaining and I think Kenneth Branagh did a great job of portraying the play the way Shakespeare wrote it.
ReplyDeleteAgain in the movie Hamlet, Shakespheare theme of death and revenge plays out as it did in the movie Titus. It seems like know one is happy till everyone that is in power or an enemy is dead.
ReplyDeleteI thought all of the characters seemed a bit over dramatic. I did enjoy this version of Hamlet though. I thought it was extremely intense how twisted the plot was, but I guess that is to be expected in shakespearian plays. I loved how Hamlet had a company perform a play of his fathers death to see how his uncle would react, it was very sneaky, and worked out quite well.
ReplyDeleteThis play had a great, complex plot and I think Kenneth Branaugh did a great job in simplifying it the best he could. Though I wasn't impressed with Branaugh's acting performance, and his hair-do and overall look was unbelievable and sometimes distracting. I think Kate Winslet did a wonderful job as Ophelia and showed a darker side of her that we don't see often. I also liked all the different cameos like Billy Crystal and Robin Williams. I read they weren't allowed on the set at the same time for fear the would make the cast and crew laugh so much it would delay production. Not the kind of movie I would expect to see them in.
ReplyDeleteThis film was pretty good however at times it was boring and I found myself spacing out. It is very lengthy which is another reason I found myseld spacing out. I found it interesting how the majority of the movie was filmed inside the the house; the focus on this one setting also aided in my spacing out because I would have liked to see more then the checkered floors and all the mirrors. I have to agree with everyone above about the revenge theme. I thought it was interesting how someone said today in class how Branaugh is really full of himself. After that comment I really started analyzing him and found some humor in how he really is full of himself. The end of the film was probably my favorite part just because it was the most exciting and I really like how Billy Crystal and Robin Williams were in the film!
ReplyDeleteBranagh's distinguishable appearance as Hamlet with his black attire was very symbolic of his mournful and melancholy state. I thought Branagh could have shortened the dialogue or at least added more flashbacks or montages in between because thought he was trying to stay true to Shakespeare, in film, some of the lines seemed redundant. Robin Williams' cameo for me was a comic relief for this serious film with at times exaggerated acting.
ReplyDeleteBranaghs Hamlet is a very interesting film. I think that my favorite part of the movie is the scene where Hamlet is first shown in a dark corridor, it is so dark that all we can see at first is his Silhouette. This scene shows tells the audience alot about Hamlet's character.
ReplyDeleteOverall the film was decent. The idea of not cutting any lines from the play was a difficult task, but i think Branagh did the best he could to make it appealing to the viewer. The fact that the movie was four hours long made it some what difficult to pay attention to the entire movie. Personally, Branagh annoyed me by how he tried to make every scene that he was in as dramatic as the final sword fight scene.
ReplyDeleteI'm beginning to wonder if Branagh has delusions of Wellesian grandeur.The comments made in class on Monday (4/13) I think were very spot on - he is a man much captivated by his own image on film. I also note that the setting for his Hamlet was somewhat similar to McClellan's 1995 Richard III - though certainly the latter performance was much darker (light-wise) than the former. I wanted to note that I think I recognized the setting - at least the exterior shots - as Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, built for the first Lord Marlborough and birthplace of Churchill - just an aside. The mirror scenes were very complext: since this is a play about internal darkness and struggle - as I supposed many of Shakespeare's plays are - it seems reasonable that mirrors would be used: does the outside match the inside? What does Hamlet see when he looks so deeply into the mirror? Does he see his own much-troubled soul? That during the mirror scene in the hall there are actually six images-six people in the mirror - double "images" of Olivia and Hamlet and the unreflected image of Claudius and Polonius. Are these latter two "images" of the Prince and the daughter? Certainly in some ways yes: For although Claudius's actions are genuinely horrific, he also appears genuinely contrite and horrified by them. Is he as "good" as Hamlet? Is Hamlet as "bad" as Claudius? Certainly Hamlet has a distorted vision of his father: He was not the Hercules or the Hesperion. In fact he was quite the schemer himself. (I've posted from a different computer this time, so hopefully it will show up on the board.)
ReplyDeleteI think Branagh should have chosen someone else to play Hamlet. I'm not sure that I can fully put it into words, but when I read the play I just don't picture him. As we discussed in class, he brings his ego into the role and for me it just doesn't fit. Branagh is very sure of himself, and I don't think that Hamlet is sure of anything.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how Branagh did this film. I agree with marloweman, because I too noticed the usage of mirrors and found that to be a very interesting element in this film. Another thing I noticed that I thought was very interesting is the specific scene when, after Hamlet's mother and Claudius marry, the room is emptied and only Hamlet stays behind. I noticed how huge the room seemed when he was there alone. He did his first soliloquy here, and I found this to be very significant because it just emphasizes how alone Hamlet is in feeling his mother has moved on too fast. He is still struggling with both his father's death and his mother's new marriage, and by him doing the soliloquy in the big, empty room, it further emphasizes that everyone but him has moved on from his father's death and have accepted that his mother remarried.
ReplyDeleteRevenge is a theme that is quite prevalent in all dramas, not just Shakespeares work. I think the idea of revenge really allows the audience to identify with the characters because everyone has wanted to get back at someone in their life for a perceived wrong. The emotions it brings up in people are quite profound because in many cases they become absolutely determined to get revenge, no matter the cost.
ReplyDeletei loved this version of Hamlet... i think that the extremely great actors and actresses it made the movie that much better and easy to enjoy. besides the lenght there was nothing wrong with this movie. the scenery was great. and hamlets crazyness was great to watch and find out what he was going to do to kill his uncle
ReplyDeletei loved this version of Hamlet... i think that the extremely great actors and actresses it made the movie that much better and easy to enjoy. besides the lenght there was nothing wrong with this movie. the scenery was great. and hamlets crazyness was great to watch and find out what he was going to do to kill his uncle
ReplyDeletei enjoyed the second half of this film so much more than the first half. the first half sets up the plot and leaves the audience curious as to what is going to happen. the second half spirals out of control, and one tragedy after another happens. besides that fact that it is a 5 hour film, i think that branagh's version was well done.
ReplyDeletei really enjoyed this movie. i felt that it was just like the reading that we had over this film. i think that the director did a really good job of directing this play. even though it was really long i still think that the actors and the actresses did an excellant job portraying these shakesperian play. hamlet has always been one of my more favorite shakespear plays, and the movie was just what i expected it to be like.
ReplyDeleteThere were parts in this movie that I really enjoyed, but for the most part, it was WAYYYYYY too long. Maybe it's just because we've been programmed (as an audience) to be bored after 2 hours, but I think there were some things that could have been cut. But Branagh did an excellent job as a director, especially with the flash scenes of Fortinbras and of Claudius committing the murder. It's always nice to have those visual imageries in such an intellectual play.
ReplyDeleteI think that this movie was put together well and although the costumes do not fit with generation, the acting was very well done. I don't like how Hamlet has very long monologues and speaks on and on forever about his plans, thoughts, and feelings. I think his speeches could have been toned down. Kate Winslet was excellent in this movie and so was Julie Christie.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kelly... the long monologues weren't necessary and not easy to comprehend. Other than that i really enjoyed the movie. It was actually the first time i had seen Hamlet so it was nice to know was all the fuss was about. Also, if i was Hamlet, i'd want to rip Claudius' head off too.
ReplyDeleteI really like that this version is of the complete text. However I think Branagh is way too full of himself. Being carried out in the end like Jesus on the cross... really. The to be or not to be using the mirrors too is a little much. Overall disappointed in him because he let his ego get in the way of a great story.
ReplyDeleteInteresting fact that Branagh is a wonderful actor. I really like Branagh's acting however in this film, I felt like there wasn't enough scenes of Hamlet. It seems like it was more geared toward the revenge and others..not to my interest.
ReplyDeleteI liked Branagh'sadaption of Hamlet. I also liked how it was different yet a little similar to Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing. I also enjoy the reccuring theme of revenge in most Shakespeare play. It was very long too but well made.
ReplyDeleteHamlet, incorporates the echoing theme of revenge. Revenge is an extremely pivotal and crucial theme because it sets up the film to incorporate plotting, scheming, violence, and all of those characteristics is what makes a play exciting. I felt that Branagh's acting skills on how he interpreted his character was ok but i think he sometimes got a little carried away and dragged on some of his speeches for way too long. Other than that I liked his film.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed his movie. Revenge is again a main theme and I think this is a great way to set the stage for a tragedy. I do agree with the fact that Hamlet seemed a little to sure of himself in this version, but overall it was a great twisted tragedy that pulls at many emotions.
ReplyDeleteAs everyone agrees it seems, I believe that Branagh is a great director in the fact that he gets his theme across clear and bold; in this case revenge. However it is funny because i also have to agree with abnormal. I believe that Branagh many times lets his ego lead him through his directing/acting role combination which makes for an extremely overdramatic ending. However, I thought the "To be, or not to be..." scene was well done as it matches up to the importance in Shakespeare's work. Overall i thought this movie was just decent, and long!
ReplyDeleteI thought that it was very interesting that Branagh used the entire script.
ReplyDeleteEven using the full length play he managed to keep the film interesting throughout. I don't feel that many directors could pull this off, but with Branagh's filming style, visuals, and actor choices he managed to create a fantastic movie. Branagh also filmed a number of different scenes with one continuous shot making it feel more like a play.
Hamlet seems to struggle with himself throughout the film, not knowing what to believe at any point in time it seems. He seems hesitant about the ghost, and that is why the killing of Claudius is put off for so long. Revenge is imminent in the film, but it comes very slowly.
ReplyDeleteKenneth Branagh’s version of Hamlet is one of the darker versions of Hamlet. There is nothing wrong with that though since Hamlet is a dark play, and also since Branagh’s version of the play is one of the best I have seen. The setting throughout the movie gave you a sense of darkness throughout the movie, because the lighting during the movie was usually very little and the weather when people were outside was also kind of dark gloomy weather.
ReplyDeleteBranagh's Hamlet was a very well-done and interesting film. The play seemed to follow the traditional Shakespeare tragedy in that it was a very dark film. There was a strong emphasis on revenge in this film, and I believe Branagh did a brilliant job in getting the real emotion of Hamlet's feelings against Claudius.
ReplyDeleteThe theme of revenge is presented throughout this play and is the most dominant motivating force for Hamlet to avenge his father's death. Although this was a dark film, I believe that Hamlet's ability to show his emotions through the color of his clothes was extremely symbolic in the opening scene.
ReplyDeleteKenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Hamlet was very well produced and kept me quite captivated. One of the parts that I especially enjoyed was the scene in the grave wherein Hamlet is talking to the gravedigger about philosophy. I gave a great look at the differences in opinion between the common and the wealthy; especially when they showed the jesters skull and gave a flashback recalling Hamlet’s remembrance of his fond friend from his childhood. I reminded me of youth.
ReplyDeleteOnce again Branagh gave himself in the lead role of one of his own movies. Even though I was distracted at times by the cockiness of Branagh's acting skills, the film was very well made. I liked the fact that he made the film a bit more dark than his other films and other Hamlet films that have been made. It would have been better if the film had more settings because that combined with the length of the movie made it hard to really enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteHamlet
ReplyDeleteKenneth Branagh must really love Shakespeare. What is this like the 3rd movie I have seen him in this semester. I think Hamlet was my favorite movie this semester. I love the theme of revenge especially because it between family members. The only thing I had a little trouble with this movie was the length of it.
i really enjoyed Kenneth Branagh's version of Shakespeare's Hamlet. this movie was a little long for my taste but the theme of revenge keeps you on the edge of your seat and interested the entire way. i thought Mr. Branagh did a really good job as Hamlet and i felt this was one of my favorite films this year.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, Shakespeare's story is fraught with narrative problems, requiring sudden, unexplained shifts in mood and attitude. Mr. Branagh tackles most of them with confidence and feeling, especially the scenes between Hamlet and Ophelia (Kate Winslet), whom the prince adores and mistreats. very good movie!
ReplyDeleteLike a lot of people have said this movie is very lenghty, but i think it is one of the most excellent movies we have watched all semester. The cast of this film really makes it enjoyable. Branagh as Hamlet really shows off his skills of acting. The revenge aspect of this movie really fits in with a lot of shakespeare's movies.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Branagh could have found another actor to play Hamlet. In his Shakespeare films he is the center of attention. It appears that in most of the scenes he is in are over dramatic. Branagh stays true to the original Shakespeare dialogue but I feel if he paid even more attention on how to make the film even better it could have been extraordinary. The film has been quoted as the best adapted film of Shakespeare’s Hamlet yet, but Branagh is captivated by his own image on film where that passion and interest could have been benefited other parts of the film. He could have used his creativity and passion for Shakespeare to shorten the film and make it that much better. At times the length made it very hard to pay attention. His ego was a huge part of scenes such as the last sword fight. I feel that it distracted me from who Hamlet’s character should be.
ReplyDeleteIn this movie the actor who played Hamlet depicted his character perfectly. He really gave us a feel for how truly disturbed and crazed Hamlets character was. From the very start of the movie I got the feel that Hamlet was already depressed and disturbed by his father’s death, but as the story unfolds Hamlet becomes more and more mental.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this version of Hamlet even if it is a little bit long. Branngah is an amazing Hamlet he looks crazy before he even acts like it. I think he does great becoming more and more crazy. I don't really like all of the flashbacks but I do find the one of his father being killed helpful. I think that Hamlet's soliloquies are brilliant with all the mirror around it really adds to the drama and inner turmoil Hamlet has going on in his head.
ReplyDeleteI thought this version of Hamlet was excellent. Branngah always does an great job with Shakespeare's plays, even if sometimes he comes on a little strong. I thought the film itself was a little long, but really brought to like the story, especially in a visual sense. Overall I thought this movie was very enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThe mixture of drama and violence became the key role and contributor to all the revenge sought out in the film. The tension between Hamlet and Claudius creates a whole new play right with the avenge of Hamelt's father. Hamlets performance is a true madmans and i think gives even more passion to the character.
ReplyDeleteThis version of hamlet was great to watch, and also it brings a whole new life to the characters from the stories that Shakespeare had originally written.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what cillab said about Branagh being amazing in this film. He was able to play the good guy while still making me believe he could snap at any moment and turn into a bad guy. I actually thought the flashbacks were a great way to provide back story. The length did not bother me that much and I was surprised by how many big name Hollywood actors were in this Shakespeare film.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this version of Hamlet even if it is a little bit long. Branngah is an amazing Hamlet he looks crazy before he even acts like it. I think he does great becoming more and more crazy. All the drama adds a good spice in the movie.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this film many times but i dont think i will every get over it. for some reason this movie keeps me interested every time i see it. I think the character casted for Hamlet is what won my vote he stole the stage.
ReplyDeleteI thought Hamlet was an odd story full of odd characters. First there was Hamlet, who was slowly driven to mad or at least to intense paranoia by the ghost of his father. Then there was Ophelia who was told to stay away from Hamlet, then to tempt Hamlet then by Hamlet himself to go become a nun. It's kind of no wonder that she went mad after her father was killed by the man she loved. But the character that made the least sense was Hamlets mother, who couldn't see what was wrong with marrying her dead husbands brother till Hamlet told her. It almost seems good that the story concludes with everyone dying because they all seemed a little off.
ReplyDeletezach guild said...
ReplyDeleteI would agree that the portrayal of Hamlet led to some interesting questions between the relationship of him and his mother. I found it very interesting/weird of the scene in the bedroom with his mother.
I feel as if branugh's version of hamlet was more modernized. Its feel of traditional shakespearian classic was missing. Probably because of the props that Branugh had chosen. From Sweeping stair cases and marble folies. Even the costumes were a little over extravegent with too much extra bedding and bedazzle that you know whould have not been if we were in the shakespearian era.
ReplyDeleteCH said...
ReplyDeleteI liked this movie but not as much as the other Hamlet movies. I feel like the movie was made as good as the other versions. The movie was a little bit long and it was hard for me to follow the hole movie without getting a little bored.
this film continues to strengthen my love for Shakespeare, Branagh's over portrayal of hamlets onset insanity grabs the viewer head on and pounds them with verse after verse of the craftily worded woes of hamlet, Shakespeare's finest character. This film realistically brings to life all the bottled emotion hamlet had to offer, and on top of all this, hamlets love endeavors are blended flawlessly to create a sense of actual on screen betrayal by the two women in his life, his love Ophelia and his mother Gertrude. Over all this portrayal of Shakespeare's classic play is a wonderful surprise to the viewer and depicts the story in a reasonable and stylish way.
ReplyDeleteHaving seen a couple of different version of this film, I actually did not like this one. I thought the acting was too forced, and it made the conflicts in the film seem almost a laughing matter. I did not think that Hamlet played his character subtly enough, and I actually ended up just getting annoyed while watching it.
ReplyDeleteI liked Kenneth Branagh's version of Shakespeare's Hamlet, but although everyone is saying they liked the theme of revenge I don't agree that revenge was his ultimate goal. I feel like for him it was a matter of doing what is right and in this case it was doing as told by his father's spirit. I think he was mixed up after being so distraught by losing his father and seeing his mother move on so quickly that he didn't have a clear head about what the right thing to do would be.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this modern version of Shakespeare's Hamlet, however, it wasn't different enough from the other versions of Hamlet that I have seen. When I heard that we were watching it, I thought that it would be something fresh and new, but it wasn't.
ReplyDeleteI think this was a very interesting film, I tinhk that the scenes at time were a little drawn out, but i found it really weird that most of it was filmed in the house. All in all I eally like the fiml and was excited when i saw Billy Crystal and Robin Williams in it!
ReplyDeleteDana Zimpelmann said...
ReplyDeleteI found that the most intriguing thing about the movie was the character of Hamlet. He is a very dramatic character, Hamlet is a man of radical contradictions; he is reckless yet cautious, courteous yet uncivil, tender yet ferocious. His father's death caused him to be consumed with outrage , yet he shows no remorse when he himself is responsible for the deaths of the meddling Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, lord chamberlain or Polonius
Branagh is able to do something other Hamlets cannot. They say that to write a genius you must be a genius. Therefore, we can infer that Hamlet's genius must point to the genius of William Shakespeare. With this, we can again infer that Branagh must be a genius, because while one can only write genius as a genius, one can also only act a genius if they are first a genius. Branagh is a modern day Edward Booth. He has never disappointed, not once. Bravo, Branagh.
ReplyDeleteI am bored of Kenneth Branagh. This is his hundredth Shakespeare film and they all have the same boring style. The one thing I did like about this film is the set of it. Everything looks so extravagant and extremely royal so I think he did a good job of making everything around Hamlet grand and him boring.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy the Hamlet play but this one didn't translate as well to the screen. Shakespeare is making the point that power corrupts people and in this case caused the death of many people in the pursuit of power.
ReplyDeleteThis film was ok but it resembles other Kenneth Branagh films which can eventually get boring if watching the same styles of films. However, Hamlet's behavior is what caught my attention. In this film Hamlet was very, very rude...to everyone!!! Hamlet was even rude to his mother. He just did not care about anyone and that was where my attention was at.
ReplyDeleteI find Hamlet to be one of Shakespeare's most interesting characters because of his constant struggle with his inner self and the choice between right and wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe content of Hamlet revolves around the idea of revenge, Hamlet seeks revenge on Claudius for killing his father, Laertes seeks revenge on Hamlet for the death of Polonius, and Fortinbras seeks revenge on Denmark. I love how Shakespeare so creatively puts themes into his writing.
ReplyDeletewhat i really found interesting in the hamlet film was the theme of mystery of death. Not only with his father and how he died but also contemplating the question of his own death with the whole to be or not to be scene. Which i felt was very well done in the Franco Zeffirelli's 1990 film starring Mel Gibson.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this film, but i believe there were a few spots where it was hard to keep my interest on the film. I truly enjoy the story of Shakespeare, but some scenes just didn't interest me. I was shocked to find out that not only was Kenneth Branagh the director but he also played Hamlet. Because after examining some of the to be or not to be soliloquy's i believe his was up to par with everyone else's if not better, and thats saying alot considering Mel Gibson once play Hamlet.
ReplyDeleteI think that Kenneth Branagh's depiction of Hamlet was accurate, and he seems to have a good idea of what to do in film adaptions of Shakespeare plays. What I liked about this version is the use of flashbacks, both for background story and implied messages. Hamlets friendship with Yorick is shown when they are children. Also, Branagh expands on the implied sexual relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia, and has a scene where the two of them are in bed.
ReplyDeleteThis is by far my favorite Shakespeare based film. I love the story behind it, and beleive that Mel Gibson was the perfect actor for Hamlet... The last scene is soo sad when all the royalty die.
ReplyDeleteKenneth Branaghs film of Shakespeares Hamlet was well done but not great. He did admirably in the role, but it could have been more entertaining and shorter for the audience to enjoy. Mel did great in his job and the element of revenge is always a good watch.
ReplyDeleteI personally did not enjoy this film very much. I found it pretty boring. But something I did enjoy was the set design of the film. It all looked very regal and well put together and I think thats the main reason why I was kept interested.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Hamlet was one of Shakespeare's best films/plays. He had all the major aspects of a successful storyline backed up with great and intense detail of what went on the play. The fact that two lovers were incapable of being together due to the negative family situation. Hamlet loved Ophelia, but they just could never make it work.
ReplyDeleteHamlet is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays because of its tragic story line and great fight scenes. One of the most famous things about this play is that revenge ends up killing everyone who gets involved. Hamlet becomes so obsessed with getting his uncle back for killing his father but what he doesn't realize is that he is not only affecting the people directly around him but also the people of Denmark because he is a part of the royal family.
ReplyDeleteHamlet was one of my favorite Shakespeare Films we have viewed thusfar. I did think that some parts of the story went on a little too long, and could have easily been cut shorter. The flashbacks in the film helped me to further understand what was going on during the film. I thought that the actors did a good job, but some could have been replaced for others. The film was engaging, and kept me on my toes while viewing it. With having the suspense of what was going to happen next, I found myself more into this film than expected.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this version of Hamlet, but not as much as Zeffirelli’s film. It was a pretty lengthy film and Mel Gibson played a far better Hamlet than Branagh in my opinion. When I picture Hamlet while reading the play on paper, Branagh just isn’t the figure that comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteWatching Hamlet was very enjoyable for me. Because the play would go back to previous events, it was easy for me to understand what was going on and why. There was a lot of suspense in this play, which defiantly made it more interesting to watch.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of this famous shakespeare movie for me is in Act 5 scene 1 when Ophelia is buried. Here Laertes is watching her burial and becomes very upset when it is about to conclude and he does not think it should be done yet. He thinks there should be more done before it is over, this clearly shows his love for Ophelia and how much he must miss her. Then at that point in comes Hamlet who begins to confess his love for Ophelia and at this point that just enrages Laertes even more than he already was. Hamlet and Laertes begin to fight even for a little. I love this scene because it depicts how much both of them loved her and didnt want that to end.
ReplyDeleteHamlet’s father is the King of Denmark. While Hamlet is gone his father is killed. As he returns home he finds out that his mother, Gertrude has already gotten remarried to a man named Claudius who is in fact his Uncle. Hamlet then soon found out after he was visited by a ghost that his father was actually murdered but his mother's new husband (his uncle) just so he could become king. This obviously made Hamelt furious and he then faced the decision of getting revenge or leave it all alone. I had watched this movie in high school and it was even better the second time around. For me it is one of the easiest Shakespeare plays to understand.
ReplyDeleteI thought that this was a very accurate representation of the original works. Nothing was cut out, making it very thorough and easy to understand. The thing that I found interesting was that even though it was quite long, this didn't take away from my enjoyment of the movie itself and in fact did just the opposite. The acting was of good quality which added a lot. I personally enjoyed Kate Winslet as Ophelia. There were times her antics actually had an eerie effect on me, and that is what they were meant to do. My only complaint would be to say that certain parts were hard to take seriously because, the lack of a proper and steady accent was too distracting.
ReplyDeleteI thought this version of Hamlet was not very well-done, at least as far as acting goes (acting seemed to be forced or awkward). I think Hamlet is one of my favorite tragedies of Shakespeare because the themes of revenge and death are used so well in it, but to me, the acting in this rendition kind of ruined it. Overall, the suspense and action made it somewhat interesting, but not my favorite remakes of a Shakespearean play.
ReplyDelete-Jordan Williams
I believe that Hamlet put on an act enable to fool everyone and than leave the king vulnerable in the end for hamlet to kill and get his revenge. Hamlet is a very enigmatic and is such an interesting and mysterious character. I think that the character of Hamlet is viewed differently by everyone and I think that there is more than what meets the eye with him. Hamlet seems extremely smart and contemplative. This is seen through his clever sayings and how he was able to trick everyone into thinking that he is crazy
ReplyDeleteHamlet seems to be the in depth character out of all of Shakespeare’s many protagonists. His main quality that drives the entirety of the play is his uncertainty. If Hamlet did what needed to be done he would have killed his uncle in the first act. I think his misconception of the afterlife also contributes to his delayed actions. Hamlet rambles on about suicide and what happens to your body when you die, and wondering he his father’s ghost is real.
ReplyDeleteHamlet in my eyes is one of Shakespeares greatest plays. The tragic storyline within the play is so suspensful. The whole story revolves around revenge and the journey to ultimate revenge. Sadly, revenge seems to overcome Hamlet throughout the story and others are harmed along the way.
ReplyDeleteThis film is one of Shakespeare famous plays. Te film was fantastic and the role of Hamlet was really good also the revenge he wanted on his uncle he conquered and in the end everyone dies. The fighting in the film made it very interesting to watch there was a lot more fighting than a normal Shakespeare film.
ReplyDeleteThe ongoing theme of revenge among family members made this film a success. I would have to say that this is one of my favorite plays written by William Shakespeare. Although there are many wonderful scenes, the "gravedigger scene" was most interesting to me. The philosophical conversation captivated me. All in all, an excellent, but lengthy film!
ReplyDeleteI thought Kenneth Branagh played an excellent acting role as Hamlet. A theme that I've noticed that seems to be a popular one is revenge. No other Shakespeare film shows this theme of revenge better than Hamlet. However, if I had to choose I think I would prefer Zeffirellis version of Hamlet. I felt this one was a little bizarre at parts and too long.
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of the other bloggers who say that Kenneth Branagh did a great job simplifing this complex plot. Hamlet has always been a tough one for me, even in high school. The film was a great representation of the play. I think he did not over simplify it but just at the right amount so you get a good feel for the play but it makes sense at the same time.
ReplyDelete-Sam Smallwood
i personally feel that the play was well interpreted for the modern audience who might get lost in the innerworkings of hamlets quest for revenge and the repercussions that ensue on a political scale. We personally are so far removed from any ramifications that might ensue on that front that it seems keeping it mainly a movie for revenge is most recognizable.
ReplyDeleteI think Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet was done really well. Hamlet traditionally has a very complex plot but this movie seemed to be easier to follow and was more simplified. I liked this film but this is also because Hamlet is my favorite play from Shakespeare.
ReplyDeleteI almost liked this movie as much as the play itself. Over all a great movie and I highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteThis movie was more enjoyable for me than the reading from the oringinal play. I was very impressed with the direction used but also by how much of shakespears oringinal vision and themes were carried out.
ReplyDeleteBranagh had a lot on his plate n directing this movie. Seeing that Hamlet is definitely one of Shakespeare's most complex plays, it must've been extremely difficult to simplify the play while still keeping all major events, relationships, and twists in order. Overall, it was a solid film.
ReplyDeleteI found this film an accurate depiction of the hamlet play. It was interesting yet had the intensity of the written hamlet play. It was a good movie that captured Shakespeare's vision craftily.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this hamlet out of all that i have seen. I thought Ethan Hawk, and Mel Gibson were not as good of a fit as Brannah. Another thing I realized is that hamlet is meant to be a young man in his early 20's but this movie choose to make him older due to Brannah being older than that. I think the Brannah from Henry V would have been a closer look in age. This would have made it just what it needed to be completely spot on.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do not consider this to be as great a movie as the Zeffireli rendition, its still Kenneth Branagh, whos always does a great job with shakespeare. I just found myself less interested this fim in comparison to the other, which I was quite entertained by.
ReplyDeleteOverall I think this movie was interesting. It seemed to follow the rest of Shakespeare plays that revolved around the idea of revenge. This is a theme that is key to many of Shakespeare's plays because it comes hand in hand with violence and deceit. All these elements together create an entertaining movie. I think Kenneth Branagh always does a good job at translating Shakespeare's plays into film so I think he did a good job on this as well.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, that this is one of my favorite play written by Shakespeare. And this is one of my more favorite version of Hamlet. I will say that Kenneth Branagh always does a wonderful job of bringing Shakespeare's famous plays to life while staying as close to the original storyline as possible.
ReplyDeleteThis play was well put together, Branagh did an excellent job of portraying on of Shakespeare's most complex films on the screen through great acting and adaptive use of the set. Some of the casting was a little iffy, I didnt particularly care for Julie Christie as Gertrude but the film didn't suffer too much from it.
ReplyDeleteGreat play to watch but hard to understand when just reading it. Seeing the character act out the words shakespeare wants the viewer to understand. Its a very difficult play to direct and act out and I think both the actors and director did as good of a job as shakespeare wouldve liked.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading through this discussion I agree that the violence and theme of revenge in Hamlet is one of the most apparent and important themes. Revenge is used frequently throughout Shakespeare's plays and brings a sense of exciting conflict that keeps the audience guessing. Although revenge can be a useful tool when keeping the audience interested, its' tragedy and violence can often turn the audience against it.
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