English Literature

Shakespeares plays have always been interesting. I have seen a couple of adaptation of Hamlet in stage whether it is in minimalist props or the grandest of all sets. But regardless of which the importance of the play lies on its proper adaptation.
    Among other theatre versions it is also common that Shakespeares plays are made into movies. We have seen a couple of them even others are made in a modern setting minus the original lines. But as for the subject of this paper I will analyze the movie of Hamlet which was directed by Kenneth Branagh and also starred as the character himself. Unlike the other movie adaptation, this 1996 film was an epic on its own, it run for almost four hours and is said to be the first full length version of the play itself. The first thing that came into my mind while watching the movie was how it reminded me so much of those epic classics like Elizabeth Taylors Cleopatra. The length of the movie was quite exhausting but being a fan of Shakespeare plays I cant help but be captivated by every act and every scene. The watching of Hamlet live in theatre may be a different experience, usually when you see it on stage all of your senses are focused on the characters. The blocking is important, the set and the imagination of the audience are expected, but when we watch it on screen everything is more simplified. The set, actors and cinematography interprets its own meaning based on how it is seen by the director.
    The set in Branaghs version is quite interesting, though we know that the original Hamlet set was made in 1300 Denmark what he did was put in in a 19th century setting, it actually reminded me more of the last Romanovs of Russia and I also noticed how the costumes were made in detail, it was quite magnificent and the set was so clean and white. In the scene of the marriage of Claudius and Gertrude I noticed how Hamlet stood out as the only one wearing black, perhaps to show that he was still grieving for the death of his father as the whole country celebrates.
    As we all know in the play, Hamlets character is very complex, his ever-changing mood and character creates a never-ending climax for the audience not knowing who he really is. There is a certain mystery in him that the movie perhaps has effectively shown.  But Kenneth Branaghs performance of Hamlet was all so natural with a hint of theatre acting. It wont be surprised since Branagh is known to have played Adrian Nobles Hamlet in the Royal Shakespeare Company production of the play (Crowl, 2000).
Actually, the acting in the movie reminds you of old classic movies, a time where everything was more exaggerated than usual, but such is really expected for a movie based on a play. I was also captivated how Kate Winslet portrayed the role of Ophelia, her acting gave her sorrowful and melancholic character conviction. Though other Ophelia adaptation reflects more on her insanity, the movie captured Ophelia as a weak simple hearted woman whose heart was devoted to Hamlet. You can notice on Kate Winslets acting the love and devotion mixed with the confusion that she felt for the mad Hamlet. But when she played the part of insane Ophelia, Id say that the other versions were better like the one done by Helena Bonham Carter. Also it can be noted that the film has numerous celebrities who made a cameo appearance, such as Robin Williams as the referee in the fencing scene and it also had well known theatre actors playing the roles.
    I was also amazed how witty Branagh played the scene with Rozencrantz and Guildenstern (3.3.5 ), the transition from mockery to angry Hamlet was quite entertaining. And his soliloquies were performed excellently the famous to be or not to be (3.1.60) was interpreted by Hamlet talking to himself in the mirror. It created a sense of self-doubt as what Shakespeare intended to be felt by this complex character. In his fifth soliloquy (4.4.41), Branagh chose to deliver his lines in a snowy set, isolated in the cold as he philosophically questions his intentions and that of Fortibras. The role played by Rufus Sewel was also depicted well, and I was happy that this adaptation actually kept in that scene, the going of Fortibras to war and his returning as a courageous soldier after serving Denmark to be the next in line for the crown.
    The fencing scene (5.4.223) was also good, it gave a climax well deserved as they chased each other around the palace. The music through out the movie was also appropriate for the 19th century set that was made.
    Though there a minor set backs in the scene continuity, minor mistakes which may be expected in a full length movie such as this one. An example is when on the death of Hamlet his hands were placed open palmed in the floor then the next scene it was closed in a fist. But I guess that should be blamed on the editing.
For most people reading the play itself in Shakespeares language is quite difficult, watching it in a play with the actors acting may make it easier but still adds difficulty if you lack imagination but when it is adapted into the movies it is somehow simplified. With great casting of the talented actors and the superb set, watching this epic has created a sense of oneness with Shakespeares work and that overwhelming experience of seeing such a great piece of work in film.