Interpretation of Conflict within Hamlet - 1684 Words

Throughout a variety of movie interpretations of a given film, one version proves to be the most effective for distinct reasons. Within Act 3, Scene 4 of Hamlet, Shakespeare provides little direction by which the scene should be interpreted, but the play, taken in its entirety, proposes a certain way in which Hamlet and Gertrude express their emotions. This has led to distinctive cinematic interpretations of this scene, all in which portray the storyline in a unique way. Kenneth Branagh’s version of the closet scene provides a more realistic portrayal of the conflict between Hamlet and Gertrude than the Gregory Dovan and Campbell Scott versions; Branagh’s view on the mother-son relationship, Hamlet’s reaction to the ghost and Gertrude’s†¦show more content†¦Dovan and Scott reveal polar views about control in this scene, as Dovan portrays that Hamlet is dominant, while Scott reveals Gertrude possesses all the power. In contrast, Branagh’s ve rsion provides a more moderate sense of violence, while still providing the audience with the close and emotional relationship that Shakespeare intended. Due to the balance of emotion and power within the scene, Branagh’s interpretation of Hamlet and Gertrude’s relationship is more effective compared to that of Dovan or Scott. The Branagh portrayal of Hamlet’s reaction to the ghost seems more realistic in comparison to the Dovan and Scott versions. Branagh’s interpretation of Hamlet’s amazed yet subtle reaction to the ghost is the most accurate and logical portrayal of emotion. When Hamlet sees the ghost he is stunned but is able to keep his composure and therefore the camera angle remains level between him and the ghost. When the ghost says â€Å"But look, amazement on thy mother sits† (III.iv.112), Hamlet is forced to reconcile his thoughts, ultimately leading him into a mild state of weak emotion and vulnerability (Branagh 1996). Hamlet has seen the ghost once already, therefore his reaction of surprise yet temperance can be supported as a valid interpretation of Shakespeare’s text. His reaction is not one of overwhelming emotion and by keeping the camera lens level between him and the ghost, Branagh proves thatShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Shakespeare s Hamlet 1406 Wor ds   |  6 Pagesand world-renowned works, Hamlet has been remade countless of times both on stage and on screen. In 2009 a modernized rendition of the brilliant play starring David Tennant as the Prince of Denmark, with Patrick Stewart as Claudius, and Penny Downie as Gertrude was released to the big screen. Set in early modern times, the clothes of this movie may have been updated, however the language remained loyal to the original text. 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