To Be or Not To Be

Out of all versions, Olivier was the only one to not only play Hamlet, but to also be the director. The black and white effect increased the drama and tension in the scene. The sound and view of the unsettled ocean in the background also set the mood and tone of the scene. The crashing and intensity of the ocean, resembles how agitated and distraught Hamlet is feeling. I found it ironic how soft spoken Hamlet was in an area of such chaos and intensity. With the dagger in hand, Hamlets words, tone and delivery become more dramatic and passionate. The camera zoomed into, and focused on his head. I believe the director did this to emphasize how torn he his with himself. Zooming in specifically on his head proves this because that's where all his thoughts of living or dying are. Hamlet  continuously pulls the dagger towards and away from his body. This shows the dismay and conflict he has with himself. Lastly, his clothing was more feminine than all the other versions.

While Olivier's version was in front of a dramatic ocean, Mel Gibson's was underground in a cemetery chamber.  Though it not being as showy, it symbolically captured the dying aspect that was part of the turmoil on Hamlets mind. Hamlet is introduced in the shadows, staring at the skeletons and tombs. Hamlet leans on the graves and is shown in deep thought, staring into the darkness. His body language shows how his constant troubles are effecting him. When Hamlet speaks about committing suicide or negatively, he retreats into the darkness. On the other hand, while speaking about living, he is caste in the light, out of the shadows. 

Brana's version focuses more on the performance of the actor than the setting. Brana spends close to the whole scene standing in front of and speaking into a two way mirror. Having Hamlet stand in front of the mirror, creates the effect that he is speaking to another him. I believe this is very important,because it represents how Hamlet is in complete conflict with himself. Making it look as though he is speaking to another physical copy of himself, shows how he is internally battling his own thoughts. Just as Olivier's version does, Hamlet pulls out a dagger and waves it to and from his body. Throughout the whole scene Hamlet never breaks eye contact or has a break in his thoughts. 

Ethan Hawke's version takes place in a video store, switching between voice over and him speaking out loud. The director focuses a lot on symbolism. An example of this, is the television in the background, which shows The Crow playing. This movie focuses on revenge, just as Hamlet is plotting for. Also, Hamlet is standing in the action aisle, this represents his contemplation as to whether or not he should take action in committing suicide.