Is it easier to end it all?

To be or not to be speech reflection:

Olivier’s Version:

The setting in this version is on a cliff next to the water. The rush of the ways banging against the rocks has a dramatic effect and the black and white setting gives it a more mysterious feel. The director is trying to convey a since of hopelessness, longing and suspense from the setting. The music in this version is very dramatic and provides a suspenseful effect to the viewer. The scene is in black and white and there are no props used. Hamlet is most of the time lounging on the rocks and looking into the sky as if he is looking for answers. The actor is calm but also confused in a way because he does not know what to do.

Zeffirelli’s Version:

The setting in this version is in the tomb of the late King Hamlet. Hamlet is walking around in the catacombs while saying this monologue. The setting being in the catacombs provides an eerie creepy effect. The director is trying to convey Hamlet as a confused slightly mad man. Hamlet is saying this soliloquy slowly and very suspicious like. There is no music in this version, this provides a lonely effect, almost as if Hamlet is the only honest and noble person left in Denmark. There are not any props used and the scene is shot in dim lighting.  Hamlet is walking around his father’s tomb and saying the more dramatic lines toward the light showing his face in a clear light for a couple of seconds. The actor-playing Hamlet seems conflicted but by the end of the scene seems sure of what he is going to do.

Branaugh’s Version:

The setting of this version is in the castle and Hamlet is in front of a mirror delivering this soliloquy. Hamlet gives off the effect of him speaking to himself, a classic case of Man vs Self. The music in this scene is calming but rather suspenseful the music changes to a soft melody when Ophelia walks in. The lighting is bright and there are no props used. The light in the scene seems hopeful and happy completely contradicting Hamlet’s tone of voice during the scene. Hamlet is constantly looking in the mirror and pointing to himself as if telling him to ‘listen’ or ‘pay attention.’ The actor delivers his lines clear, calm, but powerful.

Amereyda’s Version:

The setting in this version is in a Blockbuster or 7/11. This gives Hamlet that longing and confused effect as he walks around the store. There is a movie playing that has explosions and it feeds into him contemplating death. The lighting is bright and provides a modern more effective feel. The lighting makes it seem that everything is okay with Hamlet when in reality he is on the brink of suicide. Hamlet is looking around the store like he cannot decide what he wants but in reality he does not know what to do. The actor is calm giving the effect of contemplating a hard decision in his mind.

There are so many versions of the play because each director or person reading it has a different view on it. Because there are so many different versions different people can relate to Hamlet in one way or another. I enjoyed Zeffirelli’s version the most because of the setting. The setting relates completely to the soliloque in the original Hamlet. Hamlet is contemplating dying because of all the pain he is facing. It is easier to end it all but getting through what he is going through is what will make him stronger.