A Filmic Analysis of Hamlet Essay Example for Free

A Filmic abstract of small town EssayShakespe bes Hamlet inspired many film directors to adapt the play onto the boastfully screen. In Kenneth Branaghs version, he takes on the challenge of both directing the film and portraying Hamlet. In Marco Zeferellis edition, celebrated actor Mel Gibson stars as Hamlet. The directors use different aspects of cinematography and mise-en-scene to depict distinctive interpretations of the noteworthy To be or not to be soliloquy.Branagh interprets the scene as a contemplation of Hamlets decision whether to kill himself or Claudius, whereas Zeferelli construes the scene as a deliberation of life, remnant, and the afterlife. Branagh uses props, varied camera angles, and serious-minded acting to describe the To be or not to be soliloquy as a incubation decision haunting Hamlet of action versus inaction. Branagh begins the soliloquy facing a two-way mirror, with Polonius and Claudius hidden lav it. The audience sees Hamlet staring directly a t himself, while also facing the concealed workforce behind the mirror.This personifies the idea that Hamlet is hesitant about taking action against his own life or taking the life of Claudius Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer / The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, / Or to take arms against a sea of troubles / And, by opposing end them (3. 1. 65-68). The camera angle consists of a medium close-up on the sharp concentration of Branaghs baptismal font, expressing the critical contemplation of his life and Claudiuss. Later in the soliloquy, Hamlet uncovers a bodkin, pointing the mechanism towards the two-way mirror in a manifestation of action versus inaction.The lighting of the scene highlights Branaghs face and disposition with explicit detail, leaving no question to the viewer about his intent on any killing himself or Claudius. However, Branagh neglects to analyze Hamlets actual contemplation of death itself. Zeferelli focuses on Hamlets reflection of death as a n experience and also the ambiguity of the afterlife. Mel Gibson recites the To be or not to be soliloquy in a royal tomb where his father is buried. The morbid setting suggests a theme of death. The low-key lighting emphasizes an ominous quality associated with Hamlets musing of the afterlife.Gibson meticulously edges done the graves, using composed speech to reflect upon his life and the life of his father For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, / When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, / Must give us pause. Theres the rate / That makes calamity of so long life (3. 1. 74-77). Hamlet believes that the hardships of life become resolute through death. The upthrow of human affairs perishes along with an individuals life. Gibsons acting and disposition suggest that he thinks death is more appealing than life.His ponderings are not a question of action and revenge that a question of the actual prospects of death and what comes after death. The setting in a tomb highligh ts this as well as Gibson keenly looking up towards heaven during the soliloquy. Although the two directors interpret the To be or not to be soliloquy differently, similarities exist between the two scenes. The acting of Branagh and Gibson both reflect mysterious contemplation Branagh being more concerted and Gibson being more reflective. Both actors use Shakespeares linguistic communication very thoughtfully and precisely, and keep their voices in a soft but convincing monotone.The camera angles of the scenes are also similar with the shot situated intently on the actors faces, either focused in a fixed position on Branagh to represent great credence or zooming in slowly on Gibsons face to represent a more reflective quality. Both directors do an exceptional employment conveying the message that their cinematographic and acting choices suggest. The To be or not to be soliloquy is interpreted in many different ways, but Branagh and Zeferelli artfully choose one aspect of the scen e to focus on.