Hamlet - Movie Critique

369 Words1 Page

The movie of Hamlet was an excellent, as far as book-movies go. I believe it was produced with focus, reason, and logic. The characters were also portrayed with a good interpretation. There were several changes to the play compared to the book, although the movie was done in such a way that they were not particularly missed, from the movie's point of view.

Although, from my point of view, after reading the book, there were several somewhat important scenes and elements missing. The first scene in particular was missed. This played a part in setting the stage and was part of the whole theme throughout the whole play. It was in this scene that the ghost of Hamlet Sr. was first seen and where much of the plot developed. Hamlet Sr. told Hamlet Jr. that he had been killed by Claudius and that he must have revenge, Hamlet Jr. being the person to avenge him. In the book, this carried on throughout the rest of the play and without it the plot was not as concrete from the beginning.

The dumb-play and play for the king and court was compressed. In the movie, it consisted of primarily just a dumb-show and then the king got mad. It should have included that first and still had a whole play, in which special lines inserted by Hamlet Jr. were to be read. This did not have a dramatic affect on the way the plot was presented in the movie, but was just noticeable.

As far as the casting and setting is concerned, I believe that the director did an excellent job. Obviously, this coming from Hollywood kind of gives it advantages to all previous presentations. Mel Gibson was a great choice for Hamlet, because he is good actor and played his part wonderfully.

Show More
Related

  • Explain The Ways In Which Scene Would You Cut From Hamlet

    874 Words  | 2 Pages

    What can we say about Hamlet that has not being said before? Almost nothing and we do not consider ourselves worthy of even commenting on such an incredible play. What we can say for sure is that its tragic tones still serve as a referent for the modern theater. The play has approximately 4,000 lines, and since the story is tightly knit, it is hard to choose parts to cull, as it has to be done carefully in order to the play keep its original meaning. In the same way, it will depend on which format we are planning on presenting the play, if it will be presented at a theater, we might keep closer to the original. On the other hand, if the cuts would have to be done for a movie, we would have to cull it severely, so it fits the timeframe.

    Read More

  • Laertes in the Play and Movie Version of Hamlet

    876 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...e text, there are several differences between them that are based on interpretation. These differences are notably evident in the character of Laertes during the last scene. While his dislike of Hamlet is obvious in the text version of the play, Laertes demonstrates much stronger feelings towards Hamlet in the movie through his actions. Other aspects of Laertes's character, such as his cowardice and deviousness, are manifest through his actions and are thus more obvious in the movie. The rearranging of lines and events also portray Laertes in a much more negative light in the film version. In all, the film version of Hamlet allows the character of Laertes to be more complete, and he is developed as more of a villain in the movie than he appears to be in the text. This development occurs mainly through his actions, since the words were the same that Shakespeare wrote.

    Read More

  • Modernizing Hamlet: Michael Almereyda

    1014 Words  | 3 Pages

    Instead of a grand tragedy of a royal house, the modern Hamlet is a detective story about a dead rich guy and his son the beginner detective. Yet, the acting of the actors and the special effects more or less manage to make up for the flaw. Bill Murray who plays Polonious is harsh and tight. Ethan Hawke is illustrated as a weak and normal prince. Julia Stiles does not do Ophelia any justice. Ther...

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Hamlet Almereyda

    683 Words  | 2 Pages

    ​This movie was similar to the others that we watched, but it also had some differences. It did have the same dialogue and had the same basic plot to show Claudius that Hamlet knew he killed his father. A big difference was that this was set in present day as compared to the others, which were set during Medieval Times. Also Hamlet puts on a movie instead of a play, and Hamlet had no interaction with anyone, it just cut to the opening of the play. This is different for how the other Hamlet movies go, because since he makes a movie and not a play it does not show him meeting with any people that are in the cast and Hamlet teaching them what to perform like it did in the others.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Hamlet's Soliloquy

    691 Words  | 2 Pages

    An orchestral background that enters the scene halfway through, as if to add emphasis to the point that Hamlet was driving toward, cheapens the scene even more. David Tennant’s approach to the scene is the opposite of the Branagh interpretation. Tennant’s Hamlet in a manner in which he is isolated and the only audio that the audience hears is the actor’s voice, in addition to a slow, detached speech pattern during the recital of the lines that Branagh seemingly sped through without necessary pause. Tennant’s version connects with the audience in a more real way, making the onlooker feel as if he or she could be in Hamlet’s position and the weight that he feels in that moment.

    Read More

  • Production History of Hamlet

    1879 Words  | 4 Pages

    The story is brilliant. A brooding young prince, scorned by those he loves, betrayed by his Uncle, and yet “too much in the Sun” to accept defeat. Revenge, sexual tension, bloodshed, and tears—Hamlet has it all. Hamlet is a relatable character to an audience on a multitude of levels. Whether one is coming into their own, accepting major changes in their lives, feeling betrayed by loved ones, or merely experiencing a lover’s quarrel, they can certainly relate to Hamlet. Above all, Hamlet exudes the one element inherent to all human beings—a strong sense of pride, perhaps excessively so.

    Read More

  • Hamlet, by William Shakespeare

    1163 Words  | 3 Pages

    The play’s main conflict starts with King Claudius’ lie. At the beginning of the play, Claudius had become the new king of Denmark, and married his late brother’s widow only one month after the death of his brother. Not only is his action immoral, it is later revealed by the Ghost that he is the person that took his brother’s life by poison poured through the ear: “A serpent stung me. / So the whole ear of Denmark / Is by a forged process of my death / Rankly abused. But know, thou noble youth, / The serpent that did sting thy father’s life / Now wears his crown” (I.v.43-47). Claudius places a lie in Denmark so the people believed that a snake kill King Hamlet while he’s sleeping in the garden. However, the Ghost revealed the truth to Hamlet. Shakespeare uses this lie as the spark to ignite the conflicts between Hamlet and Claudius that eventually lead to Claudius’ death at the end of the novel; however, it also speaks volume of Claudius’ personality. He is selfish and cruel enough to kill his own brother for power without any remorse: “Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death / The memory be green, and that it us befitted / To bear our hearts in grief… / Yet so far hath discretion fought with nature / That we with wisest sor...

    Read More

  • Hamlet: Mel Gibson vs Kenneth Branagh

    1124 Words  | 3 Pages

    The difference between the setting shows how modern the Kenneth Branagh version of Hamlet is compared to the Mel Gibson version of Hamlet. One of the difference between the two films is the setting and time period. Mel Gibson version of Hamlet is set in a dark and medieval time castle during the 19th century. Kenneth Branagh's movie of Hamlet was set in 19th century making the setting of the castle more of a luxurious modern palace. For instance, In Act 4 Scene 4 during Hamlet’s soliloquy, Hamlet is seen in a setting full of snow in which he emphasize his anger towards the world and Claudius, “How all occasions do inform against me, And spur my dull revenge! What is a man if his chief good and market of his time be but to sleep and feed? A beast, no more.”(4.4. 31-34). The lighting of the movie plays a major role in the production of the film because it demonstrates emotions and feelings from the characters. For instance, in Hamlet starring Mel Gibson the lighting was adjusted to make the scenes darker to show sadness and grief. However in the Branagh version of hamlet the lighting was fairly bri...

    Read More

  • Insanity in Hamlet

    1572 Words  | 4 Pages

    ...ent techniques and styles that help audiences understand. Hamlet is play of one man?s apparent uncertainty and exposure to a number of dissolutions and distractions that prevent him from giving peace to his father?s ghost and peace to his own mind state. He uses the madness that he has, as a way to distract and trick his enemies into doing as he pleases. The film version attempts to show this, but in an environment that is very much different than the middle ages. Just as in most film adaptations, Hamlet on screen is mostly vague, but with enough substance to be mildly entertaining, and a good start for individuals who want to start reading Shakespeare, but are afraid that they won?t understand, or will be caught off guard by the language. This is why the modern version of Hamlet is a very appropriate film for students and children, alike. (apart from the violence)

    Read More

  • Hamlet Film Analysis

    1210 Words  | 3 Pages

    William Shakespeare was a very famous English poet, playwright, and actor. One of the famous plays that he wrote was “Hamlet”. Hamlet is a very famous play and many play writers or directors interpret Shakespeare’s play differently. A Great scene to compares is Act5 scene 2. The two films that will be compared are “Hamlet” from 1996 directed by Kenneth Branagh and “Hamlet” from 2009 directed by Gregory Doran. The two different directors took the same play and made it reflect their own interpretation. The films are very different, but similar in many ways. “Hamlet” from 1996 directed by Kenneth Branagh and “Hamlet” from 2009 directed by Gregory Doran both use the theme guilt. The theme of guilt will be explain through the comparison of how Gertrude

    Read More

  • Hamlet - Intelligent , NOT Insane

    1345 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...nd not making any sense whatsoever. In comparison, Hamlet speaks in regular sentences, and is able to converse normally with those around him. With much thought, and careful planning, Hamlet searches for evidence to determine the truth about his father's murder. And with this in hand, he departs on a path to avenge his father that is both reasonable and rational. While Hamlet might not carry the best of luck with him throughout the play, he certainly holds onto his mental integrity and ability to reason through challenges.

    Read More

  • Hamlet Movie Vs Movie Comparison

    1004 Words  | 3 Pages

    It is said that Shakespeare wrote plays, not scripts. His work was meant to be read aloud and not just read. This became apparent while I watching the BBC 's 2009 version of Hamlet. I choose this version because the director Gregory Doran put a modern twist on the classic tale. The director’s display of contemporary technology, dress, and presentation of relationships enhanced the idea that Hamlet’s madness was simply a dramatic act.

    Read More

  • Hamlet Essay

    695 Words  | 2 Pages

    ... they discover the real cause of his madness, even though he is pretending to be mad, it gives Hamlet more time to avenge his father since they are focusing on what caused it instead of what he will do next.

    Read More

  • Free Hamlet Essays: Hamlet the Anti-Hero

    1203 Words  | 3 Pages

    I thought Hamlet was a selfish, self-centered, weak and crazy person. How can you call a person a hero after killing friends and family in order to get what one wants? Hamlet can be a very smart and noble person but in parts of the play he exhibited actions that are completely opposite of the person he can be. He acted with a sense of madness that made me think he was actually going mad. He acted obnoxious and annoying to other characters in the play.

    Read More

  • Elements of Tragedy in Hamlet

    1012 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...ay with words. His use of clever metaphors and puns make Hamlet a well-crafted work.

    Read More

More about Hamlet - Movie Critique

Open Document