Critical Analysis Of Movie Adaptation Of Hamlet (1996)

Hamlet is a play written by William Shakespeare in the year 1601. The film illustrates the director's interpretation which is seen for example Hamlet. It then influences the audience understanding of the play and its plot or genre, because they now see and understand the play from the view point of the directors. In this portrayal of the movie of hamlet (1996), he can be seen as an individual who is always in a constant battle between his emotions due to the enormous pressure placed on him. The movie was given a total rating of 4/5 mainly because it adheres more towards the play and story rather making it seem more modern.

The setting of the film takes place during the medieval times of the 15th century. This movie used all of Shakespeare's text, making the movie last for approximately four hours long. The relationship between Hamlet and his uncle, Claudius (Derek Jacobi) is very complicated. As the movie progresses toward the wedding of Gertrude (Julie Christie) and Claudius, the camera focuses directly at the whole scene, giving an amazing overview of the scene. During Hamlet's first contest with his emotions, he is seen in a large room where he stands alone. This is significant because it helps express how he feels about his mother's marriage to Claudius. Another key fact about this scene is the way Hamlet behaves when he advances toward the mirrors. As Hamlet begins his 'To be or not to be — that is the question' speech, he walks toward the mirror, it can be seen, Hamlet's appearance of him holding a dagger. The captured scenery makes this scene more intense. Another captivating scene was where Hamlet tries to kill Polonius in Gertrude's room. Branagh directed the camera more on the characters and a little towards the scenery. With the stage setting turned towards the castle to produce a somewhat elegant atmosphere. Certain scenes in the movie progressed a bit slower than the others. One of the elements that Branagh used in the film was most significant mirrors. This is one of the key components that Hamlet frequently uses throughout the movie. He is seen taking glimpses of himself on the mirrors, not just in a room but everywhere in the castle.

One of the negative things that people would criticize about would be the length of the movie. There are people who are not fans of Shakespeare and would not be willing to watch a four-hour movie showing what they might not understand for example the Shakespearean language used except for looking at how the characters interact with each other. Kenneth Branagh not only chose characters that were talented, but selected mostly older actors/actresses primarily due to their experiences and or some other reason. Kenneth Branagh made it seem like Hamlet was following his father’s orders in the movie even though in the play he wasn’t. This made the audience feel better about Hamlet because he was actually taking action for his father’s murder especially when he was asked by his father’s ghost to avenge his death. Inclined to fulfill the demands of his father, Hamlet enters into a mental predicament, as he is unable to choose whether to follow through and kill his father’s murderer, or move on with his life, respecting the new king and following his orders. When an individual’s choices conflicts with external demands or pressure, the individual will not be able to have good personal and or even a sane life, and chances are indecisiveness will likely occur within his everyday life, which will ultimately lead to his or her downfall like Hamlet’s tragic end which should probably be a lesson to all.

In conclusion, Hamlets adaptation of the year 1996 was highly praised, won nominated for several nominations. It was also regarded by critics as one of the best Shakespearean adaptation of hamlet. It eventually failed to be a box office success due to its low gross which is just over $5 million on an $18 million budget.