Hamlet - Video Comparison

Essay by Anonymous UserHigh School, 10th gradeA+, February 1997

download word file, 2 pages 5.0

HAMLET

Video Comparison

Hamlet is one of the best known pieces of literature around the world, and has fascinated many people from all walks of life, from critics to psychologists. There has been much speculation to the different interpretations of the play. Every reader has his or her own views of the play, like which words are emphasized in a speech and what actions the actors are making throughout the play. Several Hollywood directors have created their own versions of the play, including a soon to be released full length version.

One of the versions which was brought to the big screen was the Kevin Klein version. After viewing three different versions of Act 3 Scene 1, this one was my favourite. When Hamlet and Ophelia meet in the room and begin to talk, they seem as though they where once very much in love, and that their relationship would have blossomed if it wasn't for the recent interference.

Their conversation remains about their love for each other and then they kiss. It seems as though after the kiss, Hamlet realizes what might be going on and asks where Polonius is. Hamlet then realizes that he is in the room and continues his charade of acting mad. I think that this interpretation is the best one because it reflects my view of this scene as well as what I think Shakespeare's intentions were.

Another version was the with Lawrence Olivier. Compared with the other two, this version didn't quite seem as realistic. When Hamlet enters them room, it seems like he already knows what's going on, and that Polonius and the King are in the room. You can tell that he thinks something's up when glances over at the hanging tapestries before he talks with Ophelia. They don't seem...