Brennagh's Hamlet
Often when a movie is adapted from a play, there are several aspects which are adjusted or completely lost. This often depends on the directors point of view as well as the casting director. In Kenneth Branagh's movie "Hamlet" only a small number of aspects were lost from the movement of the play to the movie. The movie was 'word for word' of the play with the exception of a few moved silique. Therefore, the plot or order did not change. The scene where Hamlet meets his father, 1.5, was very well done; conjuring great emotions of fear and suspense. In addition, the final scene was adequately performed evoking anxiety and thrill for the viewer. The ghost of Hamlet was very disappointing at first but later developed into and excellent portrayal. The characters who played Marcellus, the first Grave digger and Oris, Jack Lemmon, Billy Crystal, and Robin Williams respectively, were fairly poor selections by the casting director. They lacked a certain Shakespearian character as famous comedians. It could not be forgotten making the choices dispiriting. "You tremble and look pale" (1.1.53). The first viewing of the ghost causes the guards great fear. They are unsure if what they have seen is "something more than just fant
In the movie, the visuals are provided for you, allowing the dialogue to be slowed down. There is a lot more commotion that expected which works well for the scene. As well, the deaths become more elaborate and more defined than in the play. Close ups are made on the Queen as she drinks the poisoned wine. Hamlet's conversation with her seems to be slower than that in the play. This is not the case. Branagh has done such a good job of building us up, ht suspense is so great that the movie seems to hold on. This is a great build up for all which is to come. Laertes and Hamlet soon wound each other in the battle. Seconds later, the queen dies. Hamlet becomes aware of the cause and begins chasing after Laertes. The entire room disburses in chaos bringing more tension to the situation. In his death, Laertes confesses that it was the king who poisoned the Queen, Hamlet's mother. This send Hamlet into a wild rage. This is emphasized by making the kings death much more elaborate and suffering that the play entails. In the play, Hamlet stabs Claudius then forces him to drink the poisoned wine. In the movie, Hamlet first stabs the king, then a large chandelier falls on him pushing him into a large glass cabinet and wounding him even more. Finally, Hamlet holds the Chalice containing the poisoned wine up to the king's mouth, forcing him to drink. This scene compliment the ghost scene well, allowing the movie an equal balance or intensity which is seen in the play. With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts-
Some common words found in the essay are:
Thankfully Branagh, Heratio Marcellus, Robin Williams, Hamlet King, Queen Hamlet, Billy Crystal, Kenneth Branagh's, Lemmon Williams, Marcellus Bernardo, Finally Hamlet, billy crystal, robin williams, jack lemmon, poisoned wine, casting director, ghost hamlet, play branagh, billy crystal plays, laertes hamlet, hamlet holds, roles played,
Approximate Word count = 2150
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
