Hamlet Essay

Shakespeare is a renowned poet and playwright. His literature is still being studied by students worldwide and his works are being produced in present times. His play Hamlet has been produced many times as a film, 1990, 1996, 2000 and the most recent 2009. The film Hamlet (1996) is a classic that follows the original lines of play. The director, Kenneth Branagh, introduces modern techniques to enhance the story of the play. These techniques would have been impossible directly on stage, but on film, where visual effects are available, the director makes the film catch the eyes of the audience. The interpretation of the film provides entertainment to its 20th century audience and the audience is able to connect with messages that are over 400 years old. The film provides the necessary elements to bring an understanding of a story 400 years old to a modern audience; this connection is achieved through the use of modern technology, camera techniques and the setting. Modern technology is a very important aspect of the film. It provides a unique distinction from a play to a film. The director needs to make use of the technology present at the time. With a budget of $18 million, Kenneth Branagh has to find a way to present scenes with a modern twist. Kenneth uses full use of the play by using the original lines. To achieve this, the film is made 242 minutes long. Music plays a very important role in all films present. The music helps represent the mood of the scene. In the 1996 production of Hamlet, Hamlet’s soliloquy in 3.1 is presented with dramatic music. In the beginning of the soliloquy, “How all occasions do inform against me, And spur my dull revenge!“ (Hamlet 4.4.31-32), the music is soft; it provides a mood to the speech. As Hamlet reaches the climax, the music reaches its peak with a more dramatic piece. By doing so, the director attracts the viewer’s attraction. The use of modern technology in the film enhances the audience’s experience of the film. Camera