Hamlet 1996
Mel Gibson and Franco Zeffirelli's adaptation of Hamlet has filled some of the gaps left by Shakespeare. This version of the classic story is thoroughly watchable. This is "Hamlet for the 90s," according to the director, and it is an especially entertaining version. With much of the text diced, the pace quickened, and the action streamlined, the film offers what amounts to an introduction to Shakespeare's classic, without losing any of the play's psychological complexities. Gibson is perfect as Hamlet the Prince of Denmark, and he is well supported by Glenn Close (Gertrude), Alan Bates (Claudius), Ian Holm (Polonius) and Helena Bonham Carter (Ophelia). This paper will show how Franco Zeffirelli justly mirrors Shakespeare's tragedy on film. Here is a short summary of the film version of the play. Returning to his native Denmark after going to school in Germany, young Prince Hamlet (Gibson) finds his uncle, Claudius (Alan Bates), who now sits on the throne of the family castle, Elsinore. Claudius has married Hamlet's mother, Queen Gertrude (Glenn Close), a scant few weeks after the death of Hamlet's beloved f
Mel Gibson has portrayed Hamlet in the most true-to-human nature as anyone ever has. His brooding and depressing personality is realistic. Gibson doesn't allow the madness to overcome him. He is passionate, powerful and the epitome of a son who has gone through hell over his father's death and incestuous marriage of his mother. Zeffirelli gives us a Hamlet, who does his best to carry on, until he is overwhelmed by the sheer weight of events. The acting is the highlight of this version. You can see the emotions boiling over on Gibson's face, and Close gives Gertrude's nature a remarkable realism as both a worried mother and a lustful lover. Bates is the best Claudius I have ever seen, and Holm displays in Polonius what makes him such a great actor. The interpretation of the story is a perfect one that required a great amount of thought and reading of the very play. Zeferelli interprets it so well, that it flows like real life. Every aspect comes together to form a very real event. Around Gibson, the director has gathered a stellar cast, with Oscar winners and nominees, who, have added a new perspective to
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