My personal favorite version of Hamlet was the one by Ken Branagh. Being that this version is word for word, it really gives off the effect of what a play would have been like back in the days of Shakespeare. Since no one can really experience an actual Shakespeare play now a days, Branagh used this movie as an opportunity to give everyone some sort of an idea. This film and it’s scenery was exactly what I was picturing while I was reading the first act. Right from the beginning the movie is suspenseful and mysterious, just like in the play.
The lines from the play were exactly the same as the ones in the movie. Right off the bat, viewers can get the same eerie, mysterious feeling while they read the play. Personally, I felt as if Ophelia’s character was right on the money. Kate Winslet fits the part perfectly. I was disappointed in the character of Hamlet. I felt as if Kenneth Branagh did not fit the part at all. If I could make any changes to this film, I would definitely change the actor used as Hamlet. Over all , Ken Branagh did an excellent job making a Hamlet movie.
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I liked how they used the exact words as the play as well. It allowed me to put the play that we are reading in the exact picture. This was my second favorite choice.
ReplyDeleteI also liked the fact that there were no major differences in the book. The only thing I would change is to make Hamlet more younger like 18 or 19, but overall I liked this version to.
ReplyDeleteI agree wtih you guys. When we watch Act II, following the text will be much easier. Although I also think Hamlet should be younger, we find out in Act V that he is about 30. Making Hamlet a teenager would make more sense.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with all of you. I also felt that Hamlet’ role should have fulfilled by a younger Actor. I though the Hamlet in the movie was as old looking as the King of Denmark, which mid have confused the audience. Another actor that I felt lived up to the role was Julie Christie, who played the role of Gertrude. I felt she did a good job portraying Gertrude’s character as shallow, conceded and unfaithful like shown in the original play.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree the second version was the best cause i feel that the easier it is for me to understand the better it is. As David has mentioned i do have to agree that making hamlet younger would have made the movie better.
ReplyDeleteThis version is just what I pictured while reading the play. It word for word so I could follow along in the book which I think could help with understanding the story. I also agree that Branagh could have chosen a better actor to play Hamlet.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Tor, I felt that this version did the best job of portraying the play. Considering it is word for word it also makes it much easier to follow. The scenes were also exactly as I had pictured while reading. The only thing I did not like about this version was the choice for Hamlet, because he did not look as I had originally expected.
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