Compare And Contrast Lion King To Hamlet

Audrey McAleer

Professor Styrt

ENGL 240: Introduction to Film & Fiction

19 February 2023

Comparative Adaptation Essay

After engaging with William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and its subsequent film adaptations, I am interested in analyzing Act 1 Scene 5. During this scene of the original play, the supposed spirit of Hamlet’s father reappears and obliges Hamlet to seek revenge without any further explanation. At this point, the ghost specifically advises Hamlet to execute his plan for making things “right,” and similarly, this motif is seen in both of Hamlet’s adaptations. Diving deeper into the play, I will consider how the treatment of Brangh’s film and The Lion King draw connections to this scene in the original text.

Within these two variations

Under these circumstances, a noticeably emotional moment between a late father and a son is shared. Because of this, the audience can understand the reason behind Hamlet (or Simba) quickly obeying the requests of his ghost-like father. Furthermore, each of these scenes ends with the son carrying out his father’s wishes, despite whether or not it’s morally acceptable.

Focusing on the technicalities in the 1996 Branagh film, an element that sticks out to me most is the use of visual effects added when the ghost first encountered Hamlet. Right from the beginning of Act 1 Scene 5, the power and aggression of the ghost became evident as Hamlet gets thrown against the tree. Shortly after this moment occurred, a strong wind blew and suspenseful music began playing in the background. Personally speaking, Branagh’s effects instantly captured my attention and effectively

During this scene, Simba crosses paths with Rafiki, a wise mandrill who claims King Mufasa is alive. Confused and not knowing what to expect, Simba follows Rafiki to a pond in hopes to learn more about his father’s whereabouts. The noise of upbeat African instruments grows louder and contributes to the growing suspense of Simba’s discovery. However, not too long after, Simba unfortunately only sees a reflection of himself in the water. Rafiki then states, “Your father lives in you” and encourages Simba to look out in the water. At this moment, we hear the voice of Mufasa, and instantly, I felt chills. Unlike the encounter with the ghost in the Branagh film, the appearance of Simba’s father in the clouds was emotional but heartfelt. When he reappears to remind his son that he is the one true king, Mufasa tells Simba he “must take his place in the circle of life.” Evidently, this dialogue does not match up to the original Hamlet text, but parallels can be drawn as both of the deceased fathers expect something of their son. Another change made between the original and the adaptation is the addition of Rafiki’s character. Being the natural “healer” he is, Rafiki is more than just a guide in the right direction for Simba. Because of his ability to lighten up the tone of the scene, he is, in my opinion, what makes such an emotional encounter appropriate for a children’s