Hamlet in Cinema: Branagh vs Zeffirelli

Branagh v. Zeffirelli Considered among the most powerful and complicated play of Shakespeare’s works, Hamlet has made a lasting impression on its audience. Multiple renditions have been produced and broadcasted, each having their own style and scenarios. However, two particular interpretations of the play have been noted as the most passionate and distinguished leaders within Shakespearean films. These films were directed by distinguished individuals, Kenneth Branagh and Franco Zeffirelli, each having distinct convictions about Hamlet.
Known for producing one of the most renowned and successful depictions of Hamlet, director Kenneth Branagh has transformed the world of Shakespearean films. Within his film, Branagh placed a fair amount of

Branagh’s version was true to the plot and was based in a modern period of time, while Zeffirelli 's skewed away from the original text and set his film in the medieval times. However, while those dislike the medieval setting of Zeffirelli 's film, the way the director has his character roam throughout the kingdom, allows his viewers to observe the society during the period in which the play was set. Unlike in Branagh’s film, where characters were usually restricted to certain rooms in the castle. When comparing the overall quality of the two films, one can observe the amount of effort Branagh placed upon ensuring his portrayal of Hamlet was true to the script. Nevertheless, the greatest differentiation between the two films was how they portrayed the characters. Zeffirelli placed emphasis on the motherly nature of Gertrude, which often can be absent within other films, and overly dramatized the incestuous relationships between Gertrude, Claudius, and, possibly, Hamlet. In contrast, Branagh instead focused most of his attention on the supposed “insane” elements found within Hamlet and Ophelia, and illustrated how relationships were transformed over the course of the play. Branagh’s emotionally-charged Hamlet had proved to be one of the best renditions of the tragedy, though many state the movie itself was less relatable due to it being the literal

Hamlet, also known as The Tragedy of Hamlet, is arguably one of the Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Branch incorporated elements he believed would capture the true essence of Shakespeare, while Zeffirelli used techniques in which suit his own personality and style. Multiple elements ranging from language style to plot, had made Zeffirelli’s and Branagh’s renditions of Hamlet captivating and intriguing,