Nicole C. To Be/Not Be

Olivier’s Version: In this version Hamlet sat on a rock along side of a shore. The scene was atmospheric which in my opinion was a good thing. The sound of the ocean and wind blowing made the scene mysterious. There is depressing music playing, which sets a gloomy mood. It’s black and white but the lighting is good. As a prop he used a small dagger which he implied he would use to kill himself. I think they both worked well with the theme. I don’t recall him using any literal figurative aspects. He starts off very calm, just talking. He then talks a bit faster and slightly louder. It caused me to know what was important compared to what was somewhat unimportant.

Zeffirelli’s Version: In this version the scene is located in a catacomb of Hamlet’s family. This showed that Hamlet was seriously considering the idea of death. It showed how he was contemplating whether he was ready to be buried there with his deceased father and relatives or not. He is conveying how close Hamlet is to death; how easy it would be to be with the dead if that was the path he chose to go down. I don’t recall music being played. Therefore music didn’t have much of an effect. Aside from the coffins (I’m not sure if thats the correct term for what royal people were put in) there were no other significant objects used. However, throughout the scene Hamlet is constantly walking around the catacomb and is gently touching the coffins. The lighting is somewhat bad but it works with the scene because it’s a dark depressing time so bright happy lights wouldn’t work well with the scene. He gets very emotional at some parts. He’s also loud, and then whispering. This gives the scene a mysterious and suspenseful mood. 

Branagh’s Version: In this version the scene is located in a large room with many mirrors along the walls. The room is very well lit and spacious. He walks from one end to another and then stops to admire himself in a mirror. While looking into the mirror he pulls out a dagger and touches it his face and to the mirror. Just like Olivier’s version. I think it worked well with the scene however because it made it more believable. As if he was truly considering to kill himself. He is a very angry man, which is displayed constantly through out the speech. Not that he yells, but because he talks aggressively. For the most part he whispers giving off a creepy vibe. 

Almereyda’s Version: (I disliked this version the most.) The scene took place in a block buster. Around the room there were many tv’s displaying destruction, volcanic eruptions, explosions, etc. Hamlet looked very depressed and sleep deprived. He slowly walked through the aisles and ended up in the action movie section towards the end of the speech. By it taking place in such a public place I could only think he did it to show the cowardliness of Hamlet. Showing how he wouldn’t actually act out on his suicidal thoughts. 

I think there are so many versions of the play because everyone has a different perspective on literature. With Hamlet being so unique it could easily be interpreted in numerous ways. My favorite make of the scene was Zeffirelli’s version. I love the setting for the scene and the way the actor for the most part stayed the same through out the speech.