Essay Ideas

Differences in Olivier and Tennant films: The light in Olivier's film affects more what the actors say and how they say it. And the light in Tennant's film affects Hamlet more by himself, his conflicts and his thoughts to overcome his problems. Hamlet is more doubtful in Olivier's film than in Tennant's. In Tennant's he seems to be more aware of what is being done to him as if he was ready to take action against Claudius.

Hamlet Movie Clips Analysis 5

When Hamlet initially speaks with Gertrude and Claudius in Tennant's movie, the light is mainly on Gertrude more than Claudius. Where Hamlet stands there is less light. Hamlet's tone is accusatory, sarcastic and indignant. His suit makes him look as if there is less light than there actually is as well as the black walls on the side. Hamlet could be disgusted at Gertrude because he keeps looking down. Gertrude's tone is much of fear and intimidation. Claudius' tone is calm and as he talks he demonstrates a skill of maintaining calm and acting well to develop his plan. 

Hamlet Movie Clips Analysis 4

In Olivier's film version of Hamlet, the lighting is blinding. This set structure contributes to Hamlet's serious and miserable tone. Hamlet is also blinded because of his parent's interventions in his life. He is prevented from doing certain thing in his life because of his new parents and is overwhelmed by their actions just as the light overwhelms him. Gertrude's hands on Hamlet's shoulders represent how she controls him and manipulates him for the king's benefit. When the light is on Gertrude and Hamlet at the same time, they both start talking about their issues in more depth.

Hamlet Movie Clips Analysis 3

In Tennant's movie, the way that the lights are positioned around Hamlet could be a representation of his conscience. On the right side of the screen there is plenty of light from the roof as if good intentions are dawning upon him. Also, it is noticeable that there is less light on the left side of the screen as if his temptation of committing violence were still a plausible thing he could do. The way Hamlet acts in this film represents more precisely the way that I pictured him when first reading Shakespeare's tragedy.

Hamlet Movie Clips Analysis 2

When I first read Shakespeare's Hamlet, the scene where king Claudius, queen Gertrude and Hamlet talk about Hamlet's Father, the setting, wording and the tone appears as a private family argument. On the contrary, in most of the Hamlet film versions, this scene is made very public and is oriented more towards making the king look as authority and makes Hamlet look submissive. This scene in BBC's Derek Jacobi film version of Hamlet is more of a private meeting where Gertrude is gentler than in the other film versions with Hamlet and seems to be happier whenever she leaves Hamlet. The king also seems to give more relevance to his hunting activity than family and personal issues. He seems relieved when he hears the hunting dogs as if he was trapped with Hamlet. In addition, the queen nods to the king to leave as if it were planned.

Hamlet Movie Clips Analysis 1

Through the positions of the actors in Laurence Olivier's film Hamlet, Gertrude and Claudius appear to be more dominant and have more control over Hamlet. They are both standing and Hamlet is sitting and looking weak with facial gestures of doubt. The queen and king also speak in a louder tone than Hamlet as a way to show to the audience who is in charge and who commands. On the contrary, in the second clip, Hamlet acts as if he were in control of the situation. He is standing, and the queen and king are close together sitting down. Hamlet speaks with a lot of confidence and with a sarcastic tone, reminiscent of his tone when talking to Polonius.

Hamlet Reading 12

Act 5, scene 2: In the end, all the rage that Hamlet felt toward the king accumulated and everybody turned against king Claudius. The king's wife calls Hamlet "dear" and also mentions that "the drink" is what got her "poisoned" given to her by the king (5.2.340-341). Gertrude ends up demonstrating love for Hamlet and also chooses his side after all the confrontations they have had with her along the king's side. Furthermore, Laertes tells Hamlet that "the King [i]s to blame", and when the king is killed, that Hamlet has "served" "just[ice]"(5.2.351, 359). After being manipulated so much by the king, Laertes finally agrees to the blaming and killing of the king. Even though Laertes and Hamlet were rivals for some time, Laertes and Hamlet's good relationship and agreements prove that truth prospered and the with all the right reasons, the evil king's life was taken away.

Hamlet Reading 11

Hamlet can relate to his new enemy, Laertes, in various aspects. He loves Ophelia as well as him, and both of their parents got murdered. Hamlet's determination for obtaining what he wants is also shown in Laertes. Specifically when they are both in Ophelia's grave and are fighting for her love even though she is dead. The dead king's son confesses that he sees "the image of [his] cause" and his "portraiture" in Laertes (5.2.87-88). 

Hamlet Reading 10

Laertes is a manipulative indignant vengeful person. Since Ophelia's death is very sudden and unexpected, as well as her father's, Laertes' instinct of revenge kicks in and allows him to obey the king's command of going killing Hamlet. The king makes a very structured plan where he could send Laertes to kill Hamlet in a sword fight and make it look like an accident by putting poison on Laertes' sword. King Claudius is so doubtful of his safety that he has to ask Laertes as a way to confirm if e will do the plan, "But, good Laertes, Will you do this?"(4.7.146-147). Laertes replies to him, "I will do 't, and for that purpose I'll anoint my sword."(4.7.159-160). Laertes seeks satisfaction because of the death of his father and sister through Hamlet's death.

Hamlet Reading 9

In order to get Hamlet out of his sight for security purposes as fast as he can, Claudius says that Hamlet is a danger to everyone. He sets up the situation in benefit for everyone if Hamlet is removed. This is a very strategic move of Claudius because it helps everyone perceive Hamlet as the king does.

Does Gertrude consider Hamlet a dangerous man as Claudius does?

Hamlet Reading 8

Act 3, Scene 3: After watching the play the king decides to counter attack Hamlet's plan by sending Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to take Hamlet to England. In a very noticeable way, Claudius regrets murdering Hamlet's father by praying and saying that he cannot pray. Hamlet does prove to be strategic by not using his sword against Claudius while he is praying and waiting for him to be participating in a sinful act. This demonstrates that Hamlet has a strong desire to have Claudius suffer the most he can.