Branagh And Hamlet Comparative Essay

Franco Zeffirelli and Kenneth Branagh both have a very similar yet also contrasting approach with their adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. The two films share similarities as well as differs with the inclusion and omission of the Freudian theory, which can affect the audience’s interpretation and understanding of the themes and plot of Hamlet. For example, Zeffirelli and Branagh share similarities in including Freud’s theory of id, ego, and superego. This can be seen in the climactic scene when Hamlet talks to his mother in the bedroom. In both adaptations, Hamlet’s id takes over as the conversation progresses and Hamlet progressively becomes more aggressive. Hamlet would have never hurt his mother if it were not for his id. Id is a part of the human mind that acts as the human’s innate

Furthermore, Branagh’s exclusion of the Oedipus complex creates a more justice-seeking and respectable figure in Hamlet. Without the Oedipus complex, Hamlet is not in love with his mother, therefore his real motive is to avenge his father’s murder rather than doing everything out of his love for his mother. It shows that Hamlet actually cares for his father and is not going to enter an incestuous and sinful relationship with his mother, thus making him a better person perceived by the audience compared to Zeffirelli’s version. Additionally, the theme of revenge in Hamlet is interpreted differently in terms of the motive behind it due to the inclusion and exclusion of the Oedipus complex. Revenge portrayed in Zeffirelli’s version is seen through Hamlet’s desire for vengeance against his uncle for marrying and sleeping with his mother, thus preventing him from being with her. Revenge portrayed in Branagh’s version is seen through Hamlet’s desire for vengeance against his uncle for murdering his