Hamlet

Here are our two presentations on Hamlet productions:

Hamlet

by Mim Ballard



Hamlet 1948 Production

Directed by and starring Laurence Olivier. The film is shot in black and white and the set is an old castle, which gives a Gothic feel to the production. This is capitalised on with the scenes with the ghost, mist and fog are used to add a sense of fear and contribute to the films Gothic atmosphere. Directorial decisions indicate that Olivier is clear on what he sees Hamlet as being about – over the opening credits is read ‘This is the tragedy of a man who could not make up his mind’, stating decisions as the focus for the film.

One of the most noticeable things about this performance is how the original text was cut and adapted. There are some significant changes to the original play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are omitted entirely, therefore meaning that many of the comic moments from the script are also gone, giving the film a more serious tone. In addition the character of Fortinbras in removed, and so the themes of political disorder and political threat to Denmark are less significant, meaning that the focus of the court is inward looking, and there is urgency for Hamlet to make a decision.

The ordering of various events is also changed; ‘To be or not to be’ occurs after Hamlet’s confrontation with Ophelia instead of before it, the result meaning that Hamlet makes this speech after an emotional confrontation. This appears to give more motive and depth to the speech, as it is said out of a reaction to events, rather than philosophical musings. For the duration of the speech Hamlet is in the open air, looking over the edge of a cliff. The lightness of the outdoors gives a strong contrast to the darkness and constraint of the castle rooms, indicating that suicide would give Hamlet freedom from the oppression of the court and his mind, and equally the camera’s focus on the long drop to the sea adds tension to the speech.

Overall, the production is good, the combination of the cuts and the frequent close ups of Olivier throughout make it clear that this productions focus is entirely on Hamlet, the other characters development and any political threat is only secondary.

Hamlet

by Vicky Carter

Hamlet is a famous production of Shakespeare’s and is constantly being reworked, reformed and reproduced for theatres and society today. The production I saw of Hamlet was in 2010 at the RSC theatre in Stratford Upon Avon. As it was performed in the birthplace of Shakespeare and with the renowned Shakespeare theatre group, I did expect the performance to be more traditional than it was, however the performance had been modernised to fit a 21^st Century performance.

The performance was directed by Gregory Doran, Gertude was played by Penny Dane, Claudius was played by Patrick Stewart, and Hamlet was played by David Tennant. All actors gave a memorable performance developing their characterisation through their use of facial expressions and body language, particularly David Tennant and his crazed eyes when demonstrating his descent into madness. The modernisation of this performance was demonstrated through the use of props and set. The set had mirrors, as well as, gold and black marble which emphasized the sense of luxury and wealth established by a King, which Shakespeare would have represented differently in his time. Costume is another significant factor in establishing the 21^st Century interpretation on the play, with the use of suits and ball gowns instead of traditional dress and costume, and even at one point Hamlet wearing a t shirt and jeans to establish his attire and it’s reflection of internal conflicting thoughts.

The most memorable part of the performance was Act 4 in which Hamlet speaks to Gertude about what his uncle has done to their father. In this production, Gertude expresses this theme of modernity by taking off her wig and pouring herself a drink whilst Hamlet enters her room. In the traditional production Hamlet notices a rat and cries “A rat, a rat!” Whilst taking out his rapier and slaying the hidden listener from behind the curtain. In this production, instead of seeing the hidden listener, Polonius cries for help when Gertude does, giving away his secret place and whilst he does this, Hamlet fires a revolver to the mirror. The replacement of modern weapons means that the shot of the bullet causes a break on the glass, which is an aesthetically important visual and sound effect.

Overall the performance was excellent and three years on, I still remember the effect it had on myself and the audience. I recommend all to go see it.