Comparisons in Hamlet FIlms

          In Franco Zeffirelli's version of Hamlet, Mel Gibsons part gives a feel of sadness and despair. Also, the setting of the event when Hamlet talks to his father's spirit was very gloomy and eerie. There were no music, causing the slience to add up to the eeriness of the setting. The lighting was low and dark and adds to the sadness and despair as well. Zeffirelli did not use any special effects or any other visual elements to add to that part of the movie. I believe that the simplicity in Zeffirelli's work is enough and it is what gives it the right feel for the audience.

          In contrast to the simplicity of Zeffirelli's version of Hamlet, Kenneth Branagh's version is nothing like it. I believe that the character of Hamlet, Branagh himself, and the the spirit of Hamlet's father portrayed the act in such an exaggerated way. The way they acted and said the words were so emphasized and gave the feeling of suspense. Instead of the simplicity, Branagh's version of Hamlet was a little more upbeat and fast-paced. He used flashbacks as a visual element and I believe that it was a great element because it explained the act clearly. The lighting was similar to Zeffirelli's version. It was also gloomy and eerie, but Branagh used music to support the lighting of the setting and also some special effects while running through the woods.

          Michael Almerada's version of Hamlet is nothing like the previous two I have mentioned. Along with the different tone of how the characters spoke, the setting is also a big deal. The setting did not take place in the medieval times or the past, it takes place in the modern times--New York City. Almerada didn't seem to use any special effects because the events in the movie is something that would happen in reality. However, there were suspensful music here and there and it gives off the feel of a little suspense. The lighthing was different as well since it took place in a modernized apartment instead of the outdoors. Although the lightning was a little dim, it was not enough compared to the other versions. However, the way the ghost spoke to Hamlet (Ethan Hawke) in Almerada's version did the job to give the sadness and eeriness without the very dark settings that the other directors used. Almerada also used flashback in the movie, but in a more modern way. It was a helpful visual, but I personally think it was irrelevant and should have been done differently.

     I believe that Zeffirelli's version of Hamlet gave me the best result of understanding and being as close to as how it was on the original text. The simplicity of it gave an effect that it could actually happen in reality. There were no special effects that made it seem exaggerated. This is why I believe that this version of Hamlet was the best version to me.