Hamlet

1. Existential Crisis: The theme of Hamlet's crisis is evident throughout the film which fulfills Shakespeare's intentions. Mel Gibson playing Hamlet, dramatically delivered the soliloquy of Act 3 "To Be or Not To Be". Here Hamlet was conflicted over his existence, basically saying to exist or not to exist. As during that era most people had very strong religious beliefs, Hamlet says "Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew, or that the everlasting had not fixed his canon 'gainst self-slaughter! O God, God!" (1.2.130-133). Hamlet knew that suicide was considered a sin to god as he knew that killing himself would deem him to everlasting hell in the afterlife yet he felt that his life just as bad. Hamlet later goes on to say "but that the dread of something after death, the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns" (1.2.80-83). He feels that the only reason humanity itself stays alive is in the fear of the unknown, as nobody knows what happens in the afterlife and comes back to tell the tale. If Hamlet was truly mad, this could have been a reason that drove him to that state, his existential crisis.

2. Appearance vs Reality: During the film, the conflict between appearance and reality is always present. Characters in Hamlet all hide behind masks to conceal their true identities. Hamlet, for example, fakes madness as he gives the impression that his love for Ophelia has drove him to insanity. When Hamlet talks to his friends about his sanity, "I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw" (2.2.351-352), he is saying that he is calculating, he knows when to act mad as otherwise he is sane. This theme is also demonstrated through Claudius. Claudius feigns being a caring and wise king yet he has ulterior motives as he has dark secrets and uses Rosencrantz , Guildenstern and Polonius to hide it. Claudius fears Hamlet's madness for his own wellbeing yet pretends to be concerned for his health. Another example of deceit is seen through Rosencrantz and Guildenstern who at first glance appear to care for the wellbeing of their friend yet also have ulterior motives. Hamlet also lies to them as he knows that they are working with the King, but goes along with the deception. This film along with the play is full of characters who appear to be what they are not. Director Zeffirelli

3. A different scene that was added to the film that wasn't in the original play was the funeral of Hamlet Sr. There is also no scene in the beginning of the film where the guards are met with the ghost of the late King. This adds to Shakespeare's intentions of creating a more ominous and anticipated feeling towards the ghost, as it emphasizes the importance of the ghost as it is not seen until later on in the film.

4. The film takes place in a Medieval Era yet the scenery accurately reflects the ominous setting that readers would imagine whilst reading Hamlet. The castle that the movie was filmed in was dark with a colder feeling to it and the characters dressed dramatically to represent the time period correctly. The opening scene showing the castle is seen in a blue light with ominous music. Blue light is often used in crime drama to demonstrate a haunting and grim setting which accurately convey all the scenes in Hamlet.

5. Theme

5.1. The themes portrayed in the film stay true to the original play. Themes such as uncertainty leads to madness, appearance vs reality and Hamlet's existential dilemma are all conveyed effectively in the film.

5.1.1. Text book, exercises 34, 35, 36, 37

6. Setting

6.1. The director depicts the mood, environment and tone of the play a lot similar to Shakespeare's original work. Most scenes take place in the castle of the royal family of Denmark. Zoffirelli emphasized a lot of detail onto props, scenery and costumes to accurately reflect the time period

7. In Hamlet's soliloquy whilst he was planning the play to spook Claudius, it starts off with self loathing as he says "Now I am alone. Oh, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!" (2.2.509-511). This is not included in the movie as the director desires to portray him as an angrier character who is less depressed thus only the end of the soliloquy is acted out by Hamlet.

8. The director, Franco Zeffirelli, played more on the crazy side of Hamlet where is more furious, frustrated and impulsive as opposed to the play where he was more of a suicidal and depressed character. Hamlet is a depreciating character as he hates himself for taking action quickly with his father's revenge, as he has morally conflicting thoughts about taking the life of Claudius.

9. "Oh, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew, or that the everlasting had not fixed his canon 'gainst self-slaughter! O God, God!" (1.2.129-132), When Mel Gibson acted out Hamlet's soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 2, he definitely had a detailed understanding of the text, and the emotion behind it.

10. Character

10.1. The actors portrayed the characters in the way that Shakespeare meant for them to. They captured the spirit of the characters they were portraying by giving meaning and subtext.