To Be or Not To Be

"To be, or not be, that is the question-". For some reason, we can all quote it. But what does this famous word even mean? Hamlet, even though alone, starts to express his thoughts on how he feels about the pain that life bring and the fear of uncertainty death. But at this point as reader, you start to wonder if Hamlet has really gone crazy with all the tragedy that has happens to him or if he’s still faking it.

Olivier's version takes place on top of the rock I believe, near the water. This adds the perspective that Hamlet’s really trying to reflect.  Also, the fogginess that consumes the air certainly reflects Hamlet's state of mind. Olivier’s consent close ups to Hamlet’s forehead shows that these are his thoughts and not just a speech he is giving like that in the Ghost scene. The Hamlet in this version though seems more half asleep than that of being depressed. That said, I did not like Olivier's version. It all seemed to dull to me. I felt like the scene could have been better.

 Branaugh's version takes place in a royal castle with Hamlet looking at him in the mirror, as if looking in his own eyes for answers. It’s a battle that everyone hates to face, you vs. yourself; cause you lose either way in the end. Another thing Branaugh's adds to his version is that Hamlet is being spied on by the men, which goes to show you that Hamlet is always being watched even when he wants to have time for his own private thoughts. Branaugh's version is still my favorite once again. While Hamlet gives his speech not only is there a sound track in the background that adds some eeriness to the scene, but Hamlet’s sort-of whisper creates this attention grader to the end.

Zeffirelli's version was an emotional one. It takes place below the castle where the dead people are. In this version the actor that portrays Hamlet did an amazing job showing the pain and struggle that Hamlet was going through. Not only did the actor show this with his eyes well, but with his body language throughout the scene and his tone of voice. I think it’s inserting that Zeffirelli’s choose the setting he did considering Hamlet is completing death.  Of all versions, Zeffirelli’s version displays the sanest Hamlet. This only version where Hamlet knows suicide cannot be an answer.

Almereyda's version is the most inserting being the modernist version. This version takes place of all places, blockbuster. Hamlet is wearing a hat that clearly doesn't go with his suit; I believe it is to show you that Hamlet’s mind is a mess at the time. In this version Hamlet never really speaks at first, he’s just walking down the movie aisles. In the beginning the speech is just happening in his head. Though while walking down the aisle, a scene of someone dying in being played. This once again is inserting, because Hamlet is completing death at at while.