Today in AP Lit we watched each different interpretation for Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” speech. In BBC, Hamlet was set in a gloomy setting. He was in isolation, and you could only see people in the backgrounds, shadows on the screen. However, Hamlet’s tone turns angry later as she begins to shake Ophelia. This is slightly different to Mel Gibson’s Hamlet interpretation, because Hamlet is able to see everything. Nothing is hidden, whereas we see the shadows of multiple characters in the BBC version. Lastly, the KB version is different to both also. When Hamlet is speaking, it seems as if his speech is directed at Claudius, because Hamlet speaks into a mirror, where Claudius is on the other side. Additionally, Hamlet is very happy upon seeing Ophelia; however, as the conversation between Ophelia and Hamlet continue, Hamlet becomes angry telling her that she should not have loved him. Even then, Hamlet hears noise where the mirrors are, which gives him the idea that this all was a trap. With each interpretation, I was able to configure my own interpretation. I did not quite see it like Mel Gibson and KB did, but I do see why they interpreted this scene like that.
My favorite interpretation was with KB, because they thought outside the box. I would have never thought of Hamlet speaker to a mirror, where Claudius is hiding behind. This adds to the suspense and the excitement of the play, and brings new life to Hamlet.
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KB's interpretation as the best. The mirror aspect added a significant amount of drama to the scene, while preserving his interpretation of it. It also allowed him to make the relationship with Ophelia seem so much more passionate and personal. I also noticed that in KB's version, the music often made it clear how the scene was supposed to be interpreted, which is an interesting addition especially since there was no background music in Shakespeare's time.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that Kenneth Branagh's interpretation of this scene is the best of the three we were shown, however I disagree with those of you who think Hamlet is aware of his audience the entire time. I ardently believe (or at least want to believe) that Hamlet believes he is alone for the duration of his soliloquy. The way Branagh plays it, while hinting at an ulterior motive, is ultimately in my eyes nothing more than a coincidence. I concede to the fact that the prince is wary of his surroundings at all times - due mostly to the hideous revelation regarding his uncle - but I think he ultimately remains oblivious to the king's presence. That is until he hears Claudius behind the door. This moment, at least in my eyes, is his realization that he has been deceived, exemplified in the rapid transformation of his behaior towards Ophelia.
ReplyDeleteAt this point I feel I have overstayed my welcome, a familiar sentiment to me it seems. But I will end with a request for the original writer of this blog: please check your grammar before submitting your posts to be viewed by the entire internet. After all, this is an advanced placement course.