Interpreted by four directors, (in chronological order), Laurence Olivier, Franco Zeffirelli, Kenneth Branaugh, and Michael Almereyda, the play takes on four very different tones, personalities and qualities. ... However, to a certain extent, these differences are superficial and contribute only slightly to the overall ambience that begins to shape the tone and feeling of the movies. ... The Franco Zeffirelli film, while similar to the Olivier in setting, is otherwise completely different in tone, theme, and manner. ... The film opens with a funeral for old king Hamlet. ... His manner sugges...

• Word Count: 1694
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

However this could be due to the fact that Gertrude is, more than any other character in the play, the antithesis of her son, Hamlet. ... Nonetheless, whether Gertrude lacks the Familial love Hamlet craves, or was too self involved to give it; it has a negative effect on Hamlet as it causes his passionate hatred for the new King. ... The defensive tone immediately creates the effect that there is a clear element of dishonesty and distrust between the sisters which furthers the idea that their relationship is disjointed and flawed. ... The theme of incestuous love is a negative force present i...

• Word Count: 3412
• Approx Pages: 14
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

King Lear today rivals Hamlet as the most frequently performed William Shakespeare play. ... In the final scene, Holm shows through his tone and delivery of lines that Lear's anger and inner torment is directed towards whomever is around him, including his most loyal servants. ...

• Word Count: 1073
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate