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Kenneth Branaghs Hamlet

            Kenneth Branagh's 1996 production of Shakespeare's Hamlet is easily recognized as a rarity among Shakespearean cinema for its thorough reproduction of every scene from the original work. As both director and main actor, Branagh introduced this great tragedy with wit, energy and emotional honesty. The films success can be attributed to a number of factors. The setting and scenery are perfect representations of the descriptions given in Shakespeare's original work, immersing the audience in Hamlet's world. Additionally, the actors further this immersion with their poignant representations of the characters. Finally, the cinematography is faultless and provides the perfect lens for Branagh's film. All of these factors unite to form what is celebrated as one of the best modern renditions of Shakespeare's classic play. .
             The first example of the care and devotion to the film can be effortlessly seen in the scenery and setting. The exterior shots of what is clearly a magnificent palace in England stand in for Ellsinore. The interior is also astonishing. Ellsinore is shown as a decorative palace with an enormous throne room with checker board marble floors, balconies and arching crosswalks, lined with mirrored doors; behind the doors are interconnecting alcoves and libraries -all with hidden doors and secret pass ways. The interior and exterior of the palace are amazingly beautiful and serve as an ideal setting for the production. One particular stunning scene occurs when Hamlet's ghost appears. The scene emanates a spooky, creepy feeling that is inherent in Shakespeare's original writing of the scene. The setting is further enhanced with the use of snow and heavy fog, creating the perfect mood for the episode. This attention to detail is inherent through every scene, but would be nothing without the constantly dramatic performances given by the actors and actresses in the film.
             The effort put into selecting the perfect scenery is clearly continued throughout the film.


Essays Related to Kenneth Branaghs Hamlet

1. Hamlet Movie

I really liked the version with her and Ethan Hawke in it and the version with Kenneth Branagh and Kate Winslet. I enjoyed the directing in the Kenneth Branagh version and I thought the colors, costumes, and acting were excellent. ... As far as the settings go for both movies, the version with Ethan Hawke definitely exceeded Kenneth Branagh's version. ... If you would like to see Hamlet in a more classical setting, then I don't think you can beat Kenneth Branagh's version. ... Kenneth Branagh seemed to be much more distraught about his situation then Ethan Hawke did in his v...

  • Word Count: 941
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

2. Zeffirelli and Branagh - Hamlet

In Franco Zeffirelli's 1991 and Kenneth Branagh's 1996 film version of "Hamlet," we can see that the portrayal of the ghost of Hamlet's late father was different in each version. ... In the Branagh version was speaking quickly and loud voice, while in the Zeffirelli version the ghost was calmer when speaking to Hamlet. In Branagh's version of Hamlet, the ghost is portrayed as a feared figure that instigates fear in Hamlet and is the main driver for Hamlet to avenge his father's death. ... Branagh stays true the play and does not change any scenes in making the script. ...

  • Word Count: 1209
  • Approx Pages: 5
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3. A Personal Response for Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet

A PERSONAL RESPONSE FOR KENNETH BRANAGH"S HAMLET Kenneth Branagh's version of Hamlet was, to place it simply, one of the greatest movies let alone version of any hamlet play I have ever seen. ... Mark you, that Kenneth Branaghs" performance was as well, unlike any other, however I found it more melodramatic than how it should have been performed. ... However, not all the blame can be placed entirely on him, much must be placed on Kenneth Branagh for allowing him to act in the movie in the first place. ... It is also quite interesting how Kenneth Branagh went against the race barriers...

  • Word Count: 964
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

4. Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet

Kenneth Branagh directed and starred in his own version of Hamlet in 1996. ... Branagh's portrayal of the Ghost explains Hamlet's delay in killing the villainous King Claudius. ... Branagh also depicts the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia in an innovative manner. ... These scenes are normally excluded from film productions of Hamlet, but Branagh includes them. ... Branagh's Hamlet is brilliant, exciting, and fresh. ...

  • Word Count: 1039
  • Approx Pages: 4
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5. Kenneth branagh's hamlet

Kenneth Branagh, as the director of the 1996 film version of Shakespeare's Hamlet, takes on not only the role of Hamlet and of director of the film, but also of auteur. ... Of the many filmed versions of Shakespeare's Hamlet and the many printed versions of the text, the chosen are Kenneth Branagh's 1996 version and the Signet Classic version edited by Sylvan Barnet, respectively. ... A scene in Branagh's Hamlet that is a prime example of Branagh as auteur is the last scene, scene 2 of act 5. ... The mise-en-scene of Branagh's Hamlet is reminiscent of the 19th centu...

  • Word Count: 1520
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Comparison of Zeffereli and Branagh version of essay Hamlet

Kenneth Branagh also directed a version, casting himself, but was not as successful as Zeffirelli in restoring this magic and bringing life to the character Hamlet. ... In Branagh's version, Hamlet is very brutal with Ophelia. ... In Branagh's version, there is a rather vulgar clip of Winslet and Branagh having sex. ... Branagh's version needed some work. ... In Branagh's version, a more modern dress style was chosen. ...

  • Word Count: 2265
  • Approx Pages: 9

7. Once Le Duel De Hamlet

In 1996, Kenneth Branagh directed and starred as Hamlet. ... The Kenneth Branagh Hamlet is a word for word version. ... Mel Gibson's death scene was of inferior quality to the Kenneth Branagh breathing his last breath point though. Kenneth Branagh was the exact Hamlet in my mind's eye. ... I absolutely loved Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet. ...

  • Word Count: 4359
  • Approx Pages: 17
  • Grade Level: High School

8. Film Versions of Hamlet

In class, we have been reading Shakespeare's famous play Hamlet, along with watching two altogether different Hamlet movies, one by Kenneth Branagh and the other by Franco Zeffirelli. ... Zeffirelli exhibits a more proper perspective of the Shakespearean period, while Kenneth Branagh does not. ... Therefore, Zeffirelli's use of costuming in the Gertrude Chamber scene was considerably more excellent than the decision of costuming in the Kenneth Branagh movie. ... This displays the guilt, and remorse Gertrude felt towards Hamlet. ... In conclusion, I believe Zeffirelli's version...

  • Word Count: 812
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

9. Hamlet

In my supposition, a more credible version of Hamlet, suggesting sexual tension but portraying the characters differently, is the Kenneth Branagh (1996) interpretation. ... However, Branagh interprets Hamlet as being, "much more committed to saving a soul than carrying out an execution," (Lynn and Jeff Wood, York notes 1998). ... As with Gertrude, Branagh interprets Hamlet very differently to Zeffirelli. ... What Branagh exhibits that Zeffirelli does not, is Hamlet's genuine shock at the act that he has just performed, which is portrayed by his delay in asking, "Nay, I know not. .....

  • Word Count: 1824
  • Approx Pages: 7
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

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