Differing Versions of William Shakespeares Hamlet Essay

Differing Versions of William Shakespeares Hamlet TNT Britain’s Theatrical version and Ethan Hawke’s movie version of the play ‘Hamlet’ were vastly different in virtually all aspects. From the portrayal of characters in performances, the sets, paraphernalia and especially the fact that one is based in our modern world, (New York, 2000) both differ to large extents. Hamlet in the TNT’s version does not dwell on about his Father’s death in contrast to the Hamlet played by Ethan Hawke, who is constantly watching videos to reminisce about times he had with his Father. The two actors portray Hamlet, the main character, in a different way. In the play version, he is very vocal and blunt. Hamlet’s†¦show more content†¦Even with its setting, a Shakespearean play in the year 2000, the movie was monotonous and conventional. The best evidence of this would be the final scene, with a predictable fencing showdown between Hamlet and Laertes. Thus, it made it very hard for me to be able to read the expressions on Hamlet’s face, and sometimes it was impossible to tell whether he was angry, happy or sad. If I were the director, I would try to be more creative and maybe have a more contemporary climax, even possibly a digital 3D showdown (since it was supposed to be a big money company) where say, for the ‘poisoning’ of the blade could be interpreted as an electrocution of Hamlet during a short circuit in the 3D digital suit. The acting and portrayal of the characters in the movie version I felt was superficial and the characters were not profound. Contrast that to TNT’s version, which at least exhibited a smattering of delight in Ophelia (the singing and playing with Laertes). I felt that to a large extent, the play by TNT Britain was exhilarating and innovative and expressed their characters very distinctively. The movie version on the flipside, I felt was dreary and insipid. It was also very disappointing as I anticipated relating the version set in our modern world better. Ethan Hawke as hamlet is more subdued and would frequently converse in whispers, even before the discovery of the ghost. BothShow MoreRelatedHamlet Journal Assignments3822 Words   |  16 PagesHamlet by William Shakespeare AP English Literature Journal Assignments The following are journal entries for our reading of Hamlet. Each entry should be completed after we have finished reading and/or viewing that scene in class. The purpose is to prepare you for class discussion; therefore, you should have something written for each entry before we discuss it in class (even if it’s only a question). See Ms. M with questions ahead of time – don’t expect to be given answers in class! Be sureRead MoreStudy Guide Literary Terms7657 Words   |  31 Pagesits thematic content 31. climax- The decisive moment in a drama, the climax is the turning point of the play to which the rising action leads. This is the crucial part of the drama, the part which determines the outcome of the conflict. In Shakespeares Julius Caesar the climax occurs at the end of Marc Antonys speech to the Roman public. In the climax to the film Star Wars, the empires death star is ready to destroy the rebel base. Luke Skywalker and rebel pilots attack the base, and after