The Average Ghost is Mean Spirited: A Ghost Scene Review

(An Accurate Portrayal Of Hamlet's Ghost. Fear Him. )

        Alright, so this is my first blog post and honestly, I have no idea whether or not to sound formal or casual or some strange place in between. Let's be real though, if I were to try to be formal, that would last a grand total of six words before I begin to use words like 'bro' or 'literally dying'. Although I do believe that 'literally dying' is a wee bit appropriate for this blog entry since it involves a ghost. Hamlet's ghost actually. Well, okay. Hamlet's dad's ghost, who also happened to be named Hamlet. Confusing right? I'm tempted to just call Prince Hamlet 'Junior' or something when using both Hamlets in a sentence. 
           Whatever, that doesn't matter too much. I suppose I should continue onto my main subject. Oh! Before I do so, I apologize for my punny title. Actually, no I don't. Deal with my puns.

(Hamlet On The Left. Hamlet JR On The Right Looking P Confused)

      In English class, we had to watch three versions of the same scene from Hamlet. If you don't know which scene I'm referring to, please buy a one way ticket to Siberia, reread the previous mess I'm claiming to be a paragraph. 

     The first version of Hamlet we viewed was the version by Zeffirelli. Mel Gibson portrayed Hamlet, quite well I might add.  

What Are You Even Looking At? I Don't Know. It's So Damn Dark.

One thing that particularly stood out to me with this portrayal of the scene was the lighting throughout. Or rather, the lack of. Sure, it was enough for you to tell who was Jr and who was Hamlet, but overall I do believe the main purpose of the darkness was to merely emphasize that they were delivering the scene through  nothing but the emotions they used while speaking. This actually was quite interesting, and I found myself not focusing on the visuals as much as I was really just listening. Everything that was said was very articulate and clearly let the audience know what was going on through words. There were no flashbacks or crazy visuals. The lack of music also formed a bit of a cryptic or ominous feel to it. (The whole scene almost reminded me of something from A Christmas Carol...the good version with George C. Scott.)

Where Did He Get His Contacts?! I Must Know!

The next version we viewed was by Branagh. Branagh sounds like a noise you would make when you sneeze. Like, "Branagh!!!" "Bless you!" "Thanks"

Also apparently Branagh  played Jr in this film too. Quite the achiever...directing, acting and having a cool last name.

       Anyways, in this version, there was less of a emotional and 'audible' interoperation, but it really was more of a 'visual' replication of the very same scene. When the ghost of Hamlet first appeared, my thoughts instantly recognized the fact that you could see the ghost this time. However, I wish we couldn't see the ghost because let me tell you, that man's creepy. He has a cool beard, but it's creepy. Everything in the scene is a blueish, eerie feeling and is more visually appealing than the former version. However, the lines were delivered in a much more monotonous way. The ghost of Hamlet did seem to use a harsh whisper to add to the uncomfortableness of him, but that really was the only interesting thing he did with his voice. 
    This version also contained a flashback. Again, the scene aimed to tell the story through actual scenes rather than just a verbal description of what happened. Here, the flashback shows exactly what the king was doing, wearing and where he was at the time of his death. It was a lot lighter in the flashbacks. It was a very different scene compared to the previous one. 

WHY CAN'T ALL HAMLETS LOOK LIKE THIS FINE PIECE OF MAN?! (The Beautiful Piece Of Art On The Left)

The third and final version was by far the most different. Not only was it set in a modern day era, but Jr was actually really hot. That black shirt? Can I get a 'heck yeah?'

   Aside from the visually pleasing actor, this version seemed to also be the most casual. How does being visited by your dead dad and told to avenge his death come off as 'casual'? Good question. Ask Almereyda. He directed it. Overall the whole scene reminded me of just some very intense or serious scene from a business themed movie. Then again, from what I picked up from the modern changes to this story, there actually is a business involved. 

  For the most part, Hamlet's ghost seemed to be the most human in this version. There were no crazy contacts, or whispers, or strangely angled camera shots. Nope, Hamlet was walking around, lighting completely normal, and he even went as far as to physically make contact with Jr. 

  (Which, might I add, kind of goes against Jr's friends trying to touch/ "stab" Hamlet and failing)

  Hamlet seemed to be less intense in this version, but it also must be pointed out that throughout the scene, Hamlet made a point of wiping his ear. The ear in which he was poisoned through? Perhaps, yes, that's highly likely. So at least that aspect of the story was not changed too drastically. 

   This version came off as the most 'typical this day' movie. Oh, did I mention that this version still used the lines from the original play? It's a bit strange hearing someone dressed so modernly say things like 'thou' or 'tis' or 'e'vr' while pacing in front of a television. Oh well, at least it was creative. 

  Final Thoughts:


 Zeffirelli: 
Acting: 7/10
Lighting: 3/10
Scenery: 6/10
Phrasing: 9/10
Darkness: 10/10
Overall: **** 1/2

Branagh:
Acting: 3/10
Lighting: 5/10
Scenery: 6/10 (Extra .5 for fog)
Phrasing: 3/10
Director's Last Name: 10/10
Overall: ***

Almereyda
Acting: 4/10
Lighting: 8/10
Scenery: 4/10 (Creative though)
Phrasing: 5/10
Hamlet: 12/10
Overall: *** 1/2 




Epilogue:

Sorry for posting this so late. Computer troubles, you know? Also the app for this really really sucks. But...hey, I'm still posting on Wednesday, which is the due date for this thing! 
Please accept these bunnies as an apology: