Branagh vs. Zeffirelli's

After viewing both films, it is clear that both films contrast each other through the use of different elements. One of the methods that we can this occurring is through use of different language elements. In both films the Shakespearean language is still used however, in Zeffirelli's version we can see that some lines are cut and/or altered. This is noticeable through key parts of character soliloquies or character interaction. When watching Branagh's version, almost every line is similar to the that of the text and usually never altered during character to character conversation. In Hamlet's first soliloquy in Zeffirelli's version many lines are altered and the soliloquy is thus shortened. Not only are the lines different in the earlier version but we are also in a medieval setting as opposed to Branaghs 19th century atmosphere. It seems that in the earlier version of Hamlet, we are able to see more of the medieval atmosphere as we are taken to different settings in and around the castle walls. In Branagh's version it seems that when characters move around and interact we are restricted to certain rooms and places in the castle as opposed to outside. Zeffirelli's version lets us see the rest of society during the time in which his movie is portrayed as opposed actually focusing on main character conversation and language, similar to that of the text. In Branagh's version it is unique to note the luxuriousness of the throne and its people as we are in a later time period as opposed to the less advanced era that Hamlet and others are in through Zeffirelli's film. By the use of different props and outfits in both films we can notice this. By the differences in elements between both films, it seems that Zeffirelli's version of the film is more "hollywood" oriented, not only through actors and actresses, but from the original text and Branagh's more true-to-the-text film.

Media Studies: Comparing film adaptations of Hamlet

We have viewed portions of two adaptations of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. In the comment section below this post, I would like you to begin discussion comparing and contrasting the two film versions. You may wish to do the following in your comment:

• Chose one or two of the film elements listed below and consider how Branagh’s version (1996) and Zeffirelli’s version (1990) compare and contrast
• Compare and contrast the adaptations by examining the portrayal of major characters or a character
• Respond to another student’s comments (NB: identify who you are responding to by using the tag “@” such as @Socrates if you are responding to me)

Please post your comments by Monday, January 24th.

Film Elements to consider:

Sound Elements:

• Sound effects, background noise in the scene
• Soundtrack, music, voiceovers and other sounds put on over the scene

Language Elements:

• What lines are emphasized?
• What lines (if any) are noticeably cut, included, or altered?

Performance and delivery:

• Facial expressions
• Gestures and mannerisms, body language
• Tone of voice and inflection
• Fluctuation, Pauses, and Volume of voice

Physical Elements: (Settings, props, and costumes)

• Where is the scene taking place physically?
• What do props and costumes tell us about the characters and about the time period?
• How are the props/setting used and what might they mean/signify?

Camera Elements:

• How long does the director stay with shots?
• How often are there cuts and transitions?
• When does the camera take the view of a character?
• Were there close ups, long shots? To what effect?

The Big Questions:

• What is the effect of each of these aspects on the scene?
• How does each director establish the tone of the scene?