His is also a Hamlet that is a lot more aware of the world around him. He emotes fervently with his eyes and his delivery. One needs a terrific actor to be able to pull off these lines with the requisite ferocity, and Branagh is equal to the task. The camera holds at this position for the remaining duration.
The camera, and thus the audience, is also drawn in closer to his speech, until a tight close-up of Hamlet is established. The scene is integrated well into the overall narrative – Hamlet walks toward a mirror in the room he was already in, narrating the lines and growing more resolute with each step. His Hamlet is more determined than any other, and the farthest from the ‘wimp’ or ‘chump’ that Hamlet is described to be by most critics. For him, the purpose of asking ‘to be or not to be’ is to resolve the convoluted doubts in his mind. Every actor, and every director, seems to bring something different to the pathos, and the context of this scene.īranagh’s Hamlet seems to arrive at a decision by the end of his lines. In Almereyda’smore understated version, it perpetuates the lead actor’s detached performance and maintains a consistent tone. In some, as in Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet, it marks a tonal shift. In theatrical adaptations, this soliloquy is a microcosm for themes explored overall, and the future actions of the character. In a few lines, Shakespeare manages to convey the mental turmoil his hero is going through, how far-reaching his thoughts are, and how dire the consequences of his inaction. However, the ‘ to be or not to be’ soliloquy is the most iconic one, and is resolutely featured in every adaptation for its beautiful form, intensity, and the very relatable philosophical conundrums it describes. The diversity and scope offered by Shakespearan leads can be best demonstrated by a look at their soliloquies and the Prince of Denmark has a lot to choose from. The character of Prince Hamlet, especially, and his motivations and relationships may be made subject to endless criticism, from any number of psychological, or literary standpoints. Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most acclaimed plays, and a big reason why it continues to fascinate interpreters and commentators alike is its unceasing relevance and adaptability. With this motivational quote by the English writer William Hazlitt in mind, I seek to compare six representations of the ‘to be or not to be’ soliloquy in film. If we wish to see the insignificance of human learning we may study his commentators.” “ If we wish to know the force of human genius we should read Shakespeare.
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