Well, I can say that I am very upset at the conclusion of the film. I wanted Hamlet to overcome his madness and become content with his life, but unfortunately he dies because this play is a tragedy. At least I can say that Hamlet was able to get his revenge before his own death by poisoning his uncle with the same poison that killed his mother and later himself. Reflecting on this film, I think there were multiple wars occurring simultaneously throughout this play. There was the obvious one brewing between Denmark and Norway, the battle Hamlet had with himself and with his father's murderer, and his uncle even had a battle with society in order to keep is fatal sins a secret. At the very end of the play there was a moment where religion felt dominant, and that was when Hamlet was carried out by the soldiers and his body hung, resembling a cross. This reminded me of Christ when he was placed on the cross upon his own death. Overall, the two themes that stuck out to me the most were the madness and insanity theme and the religion theme. I know that there were many others being it was a Shakespeare play, but those two gave me the most feelings and insight to understanding the play. I have to agree with Roger Ebert in that I was very entertained by this film. It was yet another well done adaptation by Kenneth Branagh.
I have just reached the famous scene of Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" speech, and I have to say that I am intrigued by Kenneth Branagh's portrayal as Hamlet. I can't keep my eyes off of him because his character is all over the place. Ever since he encountered his father's spirit in the beginning of the movie, it has been evident that he is dealing with internal conflict as a result of his father's death. His mind often wanders of the troubles he is facing, seeing his mother marry his father's murderer and moving on from his father's death so quickly and so easily. It is evident that the theme of madness is a major component of this play, but so far I can also see that religion has also made an appearance. Many characters in this play have made mention of "sin," "demons," "heaven," and there have also been scenes of prayer. As I continue to watch this play, I will be interested to see whether or not Hamlet is able to overcome his madness and if he will successfully get revenge against his uncle.
For my next film, I have chosen to watch Hamlet (1996), directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh. I have chosen to watch this film because after vaguely researching about the play, I found that it includes many Shakespearean themes we have discussed in class. Some of those themes include madness, religion, revenge, and lies and deceit ("Hamlet Themes"). I am interested to see how some of these themes are portrayed throughout the play. In a review of the play, film critic, Roger Ebert says, "At the end of this 'Hamlet,' I felt at last as if I was getting a handle on the play (I never expect to fully understand it). Branagh's version moved me, entertained me and made me feel for the first time at home in that doomed royal court," ("Hamlet"). I hope that I will feel the same way as Roger Ebert at the conclusion of this film. |
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