Monday, May 9, 2011

To Be Or Not To Be

               The "To Be Or Not To Be" speech was interpreted by many directors to give us a picture of the famous story Hamlet. Oliviers version on cliff towards the ocean makes us the audience see what life is. To live or die is the essence of the meaning of life. No music in this piece of work but just the scene with the waves crashing and the road not walked is there behind Hamlet, shows either the choice of walking away or die. The cliff represents many of that nature to choose between life or death and that scene depicts that. 
           Zeffirelli's Hamlet with Mel Gibson shows more of the speech's true expression of which it is told. The prop of Hamlet's father's grave in the dungeon give the feeling of death all around and a memorial sight to life and death. Not having music makes the whole scene ominous and always in that state of  someone is watching. While Mel Gibson(Hamlet) is speaking afterwards light is shined into the area for a moment, which to me makes Hamlet's words feel rewarded.  Mel Gibson expression throughout the speech is in the form a prayer, monotone and held back anger.
                 Kenneth's film adaptation of the the speech seems more props are being used to wrap around Hamlet while his speech was taking place. The floor of many patters to symbolizes and undecisive mind and the mirror is reflecting Hamlet's persona. Much like Spider-Mans scene with the mirror at the end of the movie resembling two critical choices life or death.  Kenneth's actor portrayal of Hamlet seems more like contemplating a murder or anger felt because of his tone delivering the speech.

    

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