1. Setting
1.1. The movie and play both take place is Elsinore, Denmark
1.1.1. This is the castle in Elsinore that is described in the novel and recreated in the movie.
1.2. Keeping the movie in Denmark like the book keeps the feud between Norway possible and aids the plot.
1.2.1. The two countries used to be united but the split caused a lot of problems between them. This is shown in the book and play due to Fortinbras attacking. (CPH Post)
1.2.2. By Keeping the setting in Denmark it does keep Shakespeare's intent alive because much of the play surrounds Fortinbras and wanting to attack and if the director had made the movie anywhere else or not revealed its setting the interactions with Fortinbras would have not made sense.
1.3. Hamlet is sent to England, however no scene takes place there it is just knowing of his whereabouts that is important to the plot. Claudius sends Hamlet there due to his fear of him. This appears in both play and movie.
1.3.1. By keeping the setting of England and Hamlet being banished there it keeps Shakespeare's original intent that shows Claudius being afraid of Hamlet who knows he killed his father and he fears Hamlet seeking revenge on him. Removing the setting of England and that situation would have hindered the viewers understanding of their relationship.
2. Characters
2.1. Mel Gibson portrays Hamlet. The iconic "to be or not to be" (3.1.3)soliloquy is done well by Gibson as he maintains an aura of strength, even as Hamlet contemplates suicide.
2.2. All the words spoken by the characters are the words of Shakespeare but Zeffirelli cuts out large portions of dialogue. Even with the cuts the actors still get Shakespeare's message across.
2.2.1. The long dialogue that begins with "At least, the whisper goes so: our last king, Whose image even but now appeared to us," (1.1.5) by Horatio is cut out from the movie. It did not take away from the understanding of the story but it consumed time by not having Horatio say it. This smart move by the director keeps the original context of the play alive.
2.2.2. The kings speech that begins with "'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet," (1.2.4) was modified and shortened. The directors choice to shortened did not take away from the viewers understanding and the movie still portrayed the same beliefs of Shakespeare.
2.3. In the play, Shakespeare portrays Gertrude as a women who is very dependant on men. This is shown when she immediately remarries Claudius after her husband dies.
2.3.1. The idea of Gertrude being dependant on men is carried over to the film. Gertrude is very physically not only with Claudius but with her own son Hamlet. She is very touchy and goes as far as kissing Hamlet on the lips in a almost romantic way. It appears that she can not have a conversation with these men unless she is touching them and that shows how she depends on them, she needs them there as if they are her support beams.
2.4. Ophelia is portrayed the same way in the movie and is in the play. I felt the same pity for her as I did when the line "get thee to a nunnery"(3.1.6) was spoken by Hamlet to Ophelia.
3. Theme
3.1. The theme of tragic unavoidable deaths
3.1.1. The same deaths that occurred in the play occurred in the movie as well.
3.1.2. The director of the movie successfully portrayed the way the characters die and leaves Horatio alive like in the play. The final scene is the most crucial and by leaving it the way it was written the director is portraying Shakespeares exact vision.
3.2. Oedipal Complex.
3.2.1. The time oedipal complex is based off the story of Oedipus and how he ended up marrying his mother. The theme is that a child subconsciously has desires for their parent and Zeffirelli uses this complex to portray the relationship of Hamlet and his Mother
3.2.2. Hamlet often acts like a jealous lover instead of a concerned son towards his mothers new marriage. This indicates the oedipal complex is relevant. The jealousy is displayed in the quote "So excellent a king, that was to this Hyperion to a satyr. So loving to my mother" (1.2.5)
3.2.3. The long rant of Hamlet that includes "Oh, throw away the worser part of it, And live the purer with the other half. Good night—but go not to mine uncle’s bed" (3.4.7) once again shows how Hamlets feelings for his mother show the oedipal complex. Hamlet is telling his mother not to go sleep in his uncles bed and confesses his true feelings how he's jealous she gives the uncle so much attention and not him.
3.2.4. All of these quotes are featured in the film with heavy emphasis. This relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude is built in such a way because it is easier to portray visually how Shakespeare wanted it.