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Branagh Hamlet Comparison

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It’s amazing how different directors can interpret the same exact scene in their production of Hamlet. The four scenes of Shakespeare’s Hamlet are unique in their own way with each director breathing life into their production of a classic Shakespeare play. The differences in each production whether subtle or extreme can make or break the film adaptation. The actors, costuming, music and set design also play a pivotal role in comprehending a production such as Hamlet. There are those who appreciate a more pared down simplistic version of Shakespeare’s work or, like myself, yearn for a complete visual masterpiece that not only seduces the eyes but also speaks to the mind as well as the heart. I’ll break each Hamlet film version separately …show more content…

This is my favorite Hamlet production for many reasons. Branagh’s take on Hamlet appeals to me the most. He stays true to the character by not over-acting as some Shakespearean actors tend to do and he doesn’t give to the character anything other than how Shakespeare envisioned Hamlet to be. This version shows an actual romantic moment between Ophelia and Hamlet that actually has passion behind it. This helps the audience to see that there was an intimate connection between the young couple and that it wasn’t merely something we made up in our hopelessly romantic minds. Branagh’s portrayal of Hamlet emits real emotions and raw pain that the other actors seem to be lacking somewhat. The real tears in Hamlet’s eyes as he tells Ophelia, “I did love you once” (III, i), gave me chills and had my heart breaking for her. Kate Winslet’s portrayal of Ophelia is so spot on. She oozes a child-like vulnerability that the audience can connect with a few pity for her later on as she falls into insanity. I loved how the audience gets a mildly voyeuristic view of Act three, scene one with a two-way mirror approach. In his heated state, Hamlet drags Ophelia across the room and slams her against the mirror as Claudius and Polonius hopelessly look on. Ophelia’s cheek is pressed firmly to the mirror as Hamlet utters, “Those that are married already, all but one, shall live. The rest shall keep as they are” (III, ii). The Bard himself would give this adaptation two thumbs

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