In my opinion, my favorite version of Hamlet was the second version directed by Ken Branagh. Beginning with a dark, somewhat dreary setting, I was immediately full of suspense. The scene was intense and was the most accurate interpretation. Unlike the other film clips, Ken Branagh's actors spoke the lines directly from Shakespeare's original script which brings authenticity to the footage. The actors did a fabulous job considering that the language seemed to come so naturally to them. Their emotions and reactions, especially towards the appearance of the Ghost, made is seem like they were actually there at the Elsinore Palace. Visual aid makes a big difference and I enjoyed that the actor playing Hamlet matched closely to how he was portrayed in Shakespeare's original.
During one of the scene's, Hamlet is wearing all black in a room where everyone is wearing either white or red. This may be seen as a symbol which leads in to set the following mood. As everyone leaves and the white petals are finished falling, the room seems to become grey as Hamlet is left alone. These scenes were emotional and fierce.
Although Mike Almereyda's rendition was unique, as I was watching I kept forgetting that I was watching one of Shakespeare's most famous works. When I think of Hamlet, I think of the era in which it takes place and Almereyda's version completely ruins this aspect of the play for me. I found it difficult to portray 16th century Hamlet into modern times, and therefore had trouble linking between the two works. Also, Since many of the important lines are stated through thoughts in Mike Almereyda's version, emphasis was lacked on certain words along with imperative emotions.
Franco Zefirelli's version simply wasn't my style. Although I loved the suspense in the beginning, it did not reflect the first scene in the original Hamlet, hence being inaccurate. Unlike the other renditions, Ken Branagh's Hamlet was most faithful to the original and most successful.
Dar, I completely agree with what you said. The first film was interesting because it really did portray the real Hamlet. Although your points were valid, the third film helped people, like myself, understand the play and get more into the language used. The old, dreary language just mixed in with the 16th century dullness. Old plus old equals boring. The third film almost made Hamlet fun to learn.
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