The three versions of The Ghost Scene were not only very different from each other, but left different impressions on the audience.
In the first version, (Zeffirelli) the audience was left feeling very connected with the emotions that Hamlet was experiencing. Gibson portrayed Hamlet as being very scared, surprised and in shock while he interacts with the ghost of his father. The camera work shows only the faces of the actors to make it feel very personal. The colors were cool and dark, and gave it an eerie feeling. Only when Hamlet was angry and wanting revenge on his uncle, was when there were warm colors. This added to the emotions the audience feels while watching. Hamlet's father had almost a shadow over.him so you couldn't see him clearly, and he did not have any armor on. I think that this version feels the most realistic to the setting, and I like it the best.
The Branagh version used many special effects, such as music and sounds and pictures flashing which make the audience feel as if Hamlet is panicked. His father's ghost speaks very fast in a monotone, cold voice. It seems scary at first, almost. When he explains how his brother was responsible for his murder to Hamlet, (and throughout the clip) everything is acted out with bright colors. It makes it seem as if those were happier times, rather than the cold colors used in the present. The ghost had armor on, like written in the play. I did not enjoy this version as much, because I feel like all the special effects take away from the play and the meaning in it. It's almost too artificial.
The Almereyda version had the least of the special effects and was very humanistic. Hamlet's father looked like a normal person, and was speaking normally. In the background, there was a television showing anarchy and scenes that looked like war and destruction, but had warm colors, such as red. I enjoyed this version, but I prefer when plays are true to the time setting instead of modernized.
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ReplyDeleteWe totally have the same views and taste on so many things! Especially this. You mentioned symbolism of the colors, and camera angles in Zeffrelli's version that i did not notice. It was also my favorite. I am also not a big fan on plays being modernized! And for Branagh's version, as colorguard girls... we both can say special effects are essential to looking fantastic. But it is true that the audience felt that the true emotions were lost! Like the part after the Ghost Scene, Hamlet should be pissed ... but no.. he is sitting there surrounded by smoke ... entranced by his own thought .. reciting his lines like he just fell in love. The music and special effects really threw me off. Like what?!?!? It's nice to know I am not the only one with these thoughts! (:
ReplyDeleteFor starters, you had great observations. When you mentioned about the warm and cold colors, it showed that you have an eye for the little details than many other people surpass, including me. I commend you on that. As of yoAlmereydaur outlook on Branagh's version, I do not agree. Personally, I enjoy the action and special effects in plays. I feel it draws 10 times more attention of the audience to the screen. The information is still there, just with a little twist. It may not be blaintly in your face, but if you pay attention to it carefully, you will see. Yet, that's my personal opinion. I do agree with you on the version. It was definitely too humanlike, to the point where it didn't even look like it was originally written by Shakespeare. That was definitely not what Shakespeare would have wanted. Overall. good job Sara.
ReplyDeleteSara, interesting point about the 'humanistic' portrayal of the ghost in the third version. How do you think that changes how we react to this scene versus other interpretations?
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