Hamlet: The First Ghost Scene

• In the first version of Hamlet, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, the characters are very authentic. Mel Gibson portrays Hamlet as what many people would have, while reading the play. Hamlet seems to be uneasy, I mean who wouldn't be with all the things that are happening in his life. The way Mel Gibson speaks and in fact his whole persona emits the kind of quality depicted from the play. In the movie, there is little lighting, half of it coming from fire lamps all over the medieval castle. This setting gives the movie a more realistic comparison to the play and the time it was written. Another important component to the movies authenticity would be the music, or lack there of. The movie used little to no music, which causes the viewer to pay more attention to the words and every action of the actors. This also allows the viewer to feel apart of the dialog because in real life music usually does not play when people speak. The lack of music though does create a dry feel to the movie. Without any music whatsoever, the dialog can become strenuous and dull. The cohesive balance between no music and an excessive amount in the movie is a result of the direction done by Franco Zeffirelli.

• In the second version of Hamlet, directed by Kenneth Branagh, the characters are very dramatic. The ghost scene for example was well acted in my opinion but the style it was filmed was very unusual. In the movie, there are a lot of colors and the music is vibrant. If I saw this movie before reading the play, I might've enjoyed it more because in this version the characters are easier to understand and the flashbacks add a great affect in helping the viewer see what was left unknown. Unfortunately, the first version screams Hamlet in every-which-way meaning it is the epitome of the play, with the medieval setting and overall attitude.

• In the third version of Hamlet, directed by Michael Almereyda, the characters are very modern. This is by choice of the director. The modern adaptation of this film helps the viewer understand the language used in the Shakespearean play even though the movie uses the exact words. This version puts a modern twist on the play without taking away too much from the original. Though the character choice is questionable, the style is much appreciated. During the ghost scene, King Hamlet pulls out a handkerchief that he uses to continuously wipe his ear with to indicate the poison that was poured in his ear. King Hamlet in this version is also the only one to actually touch Hamlet's face. In the other versions, the Ghost comes near Hamlet but does not actually connect with him. This slight difference gives the altercation a more sentimental feel. This third version has its upsides but clear downfalls as well.