Pick one of the following 2 prompts (February 10th)
1. Compare and/or contrast the Mel Gibson scene with the David Tennant scene we watched in class. Why do you think the directors made the choices they did? Once you write your response, check out what other people have said and reply to at least one other post.
2. Write a reaction to the two different versions of Act 3 scene 4. Once you write your response, check out what other people have said and reply to at least one other post.
I thought this Mel Gibson scene was much more intense and emotional whereas the Tennant scene was much more focused on Hamlet's insanity. The Mel Gibson ended more conclusively and there wasn't that much question about the forbidden love between Hamlet and his mother. The Tennant scene had a more mysterious ending. There was no explanation for the kiss...
ReplyDeletemaybe when these were made, the audiences it was directly meant for didn't question the kiss because it wasn't as strange to them
DeleteI like your emotion vs. insanity comparison, I didn't think of it that way and the difference is definitely there.
DeleteThe Tennant version had more modern acting while the Zeffereli version took a more traditional approach in terms of costumes and lighting. The interpretations were first believed to be different but ended similarly.
ReplyDeleteYah! I think the Tennant scene was easier for us to understand because of the more modern approach. Both scenes started out differently but ultimately had a similar conclusion...
DeleteI agree, the Tennant version did approach it with a much more modern angle, however, I felt that the Zeffereli version portrayed it more realistically, in terms of how Shakespeare would have imagined it.
DeleteAgreeing with above comment/replies. One question though: Why does Hamlet use a match to find out who he shot, instead of just turning on the lights (which he also does later)?
DeleteGreat question Jing-Chen. A match illuminates- it also catches fire (destroys/consumes) and serves as a symbol with two contrasting meanings. The Tennant version is filled with symbolism from lighting the match to the broken glass, to the play on light and dark. Remember Hamlet switches on the lamp light when he confronts Gertrude on the bed. All the interpretive uses of various symbols is what fascinates me most about the Tennant version.
DeleteI don't think the director made wise decisions regarding the scene, as in my opinion, there was quite a few instances of close sexual contact between the Hamlet and his mother. However, although such interactions isn't generally accepted now, it might have been custom in the past. Apart from the kiss, the actors did a great job portraying their emotions, and I was very interested in watching.
ReplyDeleteWhich director do you think made a non-wise decision? I agree that the actors did a great job portraying emotions. Hamlet really did look insane!
DeleteAvaneesh I think Adhi is referring to the sexually implicit thrusting motions Hamlet made while upon his mom in bed before proceeding to passionately make out with her; in the other scene, it could be seen as just a peck out of mother-son love.
DeleteI'd agree with Owen on this one. In the Tennant scene, though they were grabbing each others' faces, there wasn't really sexual tension as they were yelling at each other while doing so. It is not uncommon to see children kissing their parents, but we wouldn't expect that peck since Hamlet's age is much older a child's.
DeleteThe David Tennant scene included more about the insanity which was the director's interpretation (Hamlet is insane). Both scenes included kissing/sexual tension between Hamlet and his mom. The Tennant scene was less subtle in this aspect as there was only one kiss. The Mel Gibson included way more kissing and sexual tensions which made it more emotional.
ReplyDeleteMel Gibson definitely decided to focus a lot on Hamlet's insanity as you could clearly see that he was acting super erratic and weird with his mother.
DeleteI felt that the Mel Gibson one was more dramatic and it seemed like he was the only crazed one and his mother was just reacting. While in the David Tennant scene they both seemed crazed and confused not just one sided madness. The kiss was weird and I want to erase it from my mind.
ReplyDeleteIn the Mel Gibson one, I was extremely uncomfortable during and after the kissing scene. This also made me extremely uncomfortable during the David Tennant movie because the actors brought their faces extremely close to each other, and I was afraid of round 2. I am never going to look at my mom the same way again.
ReplyDeleteI concur; I too was shook, for a lack of a better word. I'm glad the David Tennant scene concluded on a better note
DeleteI hope your uncle never puts you in that position @Jason Chang
DeleteThey both had a lot of tension between Hamlet and his mother to the extremities of love and hatred, but the kisses solidified their love and showed that everything Hamlet had done and said were in good intentions towards his mother and in respect to his family
ReplyDeleteGood point, that is an interesting take on the scene it makes sense he wanted to display to his mom a sense of good intentions.
DeleteI agree with the part that you said kiss signifies love as family. Also, it was good point explaining Hamlet's real intention.
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ReplyDeleteWhy does the Mel Gibson scene includes Hamlet getting it on with his mom and whereas the David Tennant one, there was only a kiss? That's a huge difference. Incest is nasty is all I can say.
ReplyDeleteThe Mel Gibson scene was a bit shocking. There was very intense and emotional acting. I didn't expect what had happened in the scene to happen, and it differed greatly from my interpretation of the scene when I read the book. I was exceedingly confused as to why Hamlet kissed Gertrude..
ReplyDeleteThe David Tennant scene appeared to be more focused on the book and issue at hand, and it was a lot more straightforward/easier to understand. I liked this once more because I expected what was going to happen. I also liked the modern settings of the play.
I agree. I interpreted the events every differently when I read the book, and was extremely confused at the director's interpretation.
DeleteI agree. I think the focus was to bring out the part about Hamlet's insanity in a profound way. The part with the ghost confirmed Hamlet's mental and emotional condition and revealed it to Gertrude.
DeleteI was also confused by the random kissing scenes and did not interpret it that way when I read it. Tennant was more focused, but the extraneous acting in Gibson helped provide a clear understanding of the plot.
DeleteFor the Mel Gibson version, I was shocked at the intimacy level between Hamlet and his mother. It was very odd to watch and I felt a bit uncomfortable to be honest. Hamlet is angry at his mother for her incestuous relationship with his uncle, but his relationship with her is bordering on the same thing. Hamlet also looked like he was going insane and the scene looked very intense. For the David Tennant version, it was slightly less intimate, but there was still a lot of tension. Hamlet killing Polonius by shooting him surprised me because it happened very suddenly and it was also really dramatic. The ending was also strange to me because Gertrude started laughing and immediately afterwards started crying.
ReplyDeleteAgreed it was a very unique way of portraying their complex relationship. I feel it added to his state of madness!
Delete1.
ReplyDeleteMel Gibson: A lot less movement around the room: Hamlet pins his mother to the bed and they stay there for most the entire scene. Hamlet is also much more violent. Small room/less movement amplifies Hamlet's rage.
David Tennant: Hamlet does not carry a sword, but rather picks up a gun that was in the room and shoots at Polonius. There is a lot more movement around the room: Hamlet getting up to pick up newspapers with pictures or looking in the broken glass. The room itself feels much bigger, and Hamlet's pacing around the room reflects his madness. The setting is different (modern vs. medieval).
I didn't think of that! It's interesting how different scales of movement can depict different types of rage.
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DeleteI definitely agree with the effect of the setting on how the viewer perceives the emotions that Hamlet is displaying. In the Tennant version also had a more modern color scheme, further adding to how we understand the emotions that Hamlet is feeling.
I felt that the Gibson version of Act 3 scene 4 created a more intense environment in comparison to the Tennant version. Hamlet was more violently shouting at and handling his mother in the Gibson version. I felt like the Gibson version displays more of Hamlet's insanity (from the point of view of his mother and other people), while the Tennant version displays more of Hamlet's crazed yet logical reasoning (from the point of view of Hamlet). Both perspectives on this scene are important, so I think both directors' choices were justified. Despite these differences, Hamlet always treated his mother roughly.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Hamlet's insanity was portrayed really well in both versions even though they used different approaches to it.
DeleteYeah, I agree with you. The Gibson version may have been created more intensely because of the time period they were depicted...which in a sense, suited the scene's portrayal.
DeleteI agree with you that Tennant's Hamlet was more logical in his reasoning besides the shouting. However, I am not sure what Shakespeare would think of the different interpretations and which ones he would have approved. Maybe as a playwright, he wanted people to add their own touches to his play and to essentially write part of it themselves.
DeleteI was very surprised how the directors portrayed the interpretations. The scene with Mel Gibson and his mother is much more wild and incestous. It is a very passionate scene and shows a different take than david tennant. tennants scene was much more quiet and subtle but still had the same emotional effect.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the two directors took very different approaches but overall carried out the same emotions and outlook.
DeleteYea, the Mel Gibson version was not the same as Tennants. One was more crazy and wild while the other seemed more calm and had composure.
DeleteThe Tennant version was more symbolically resonant. For example, the broken mirror shows Hamlet's mental and emotional situation. Also, the Tennant version was more modern as Hamlet uses a gun to kill Polonius. The acting in both versions was very intense. The version with Mel Gibson was more traditional in its costumes and they even used candles. While in the version with David Tennant, they used lights as we can see Hamlet turn on the light at one point during the scene.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I also thought that Tennant's use of imagery of the mirror showed Hamlet's mental and emotional condition.
DeleteI never thought that mirror has some kind of meaning. I think it is good observation and agree that it shows Hamlet's emotional condition.
DeleteBeside the setting (Zeffirelli (Z) was set in the 17th century; Tennant (T) in the 21st), the scenes varied in their interpretation of Hamlet's actions towards his mother. Even though they are both intense in speech, Z Hamlet is more physical in his persuasion, whereas T Hamlet uses a more emotional take. As a result, I felt like the Queen was yelling different reasons. For example, T Gertrude was more sad than Z Gertrude in that she was mourning from emotional torture looking at the picture of Old Hamlet with Hamlet letting it do more of the persuasion. Contrastingly, Z Hamlet was basically in his mother face with the necklace/image of his father, screaming (though T Hamlet did yell a lot as well).
ReplyDeleteThese differences may have been so because Zeffirelli took the play more literally, shown by the fact that he was very accurate in his costuming and therefore acting. On the other hand, as time went on, Tennant had to try a new approach to not appear repetitive, so he took a contemporary perspective and went more for the emotion of the story in addition to the physical aspects.
I agree, the characters had different objectives which changed the actions they took to achieve them.
DeleteMel Gibson's and David Tennant's interpretation of Hamlet were different in the way they portrayed him. In Gibson's interpretation, Hamlet seemed more consumed by his emotions of anger and vengeance to illustrate how bothersome his uncle's marriage to his mom is to him. While in Tennant's interpretation Hamlet is portrayed as being broken/shattered when he looked at his reflection in the mirror after the ghost appeared in his mom's room showing how his obsession with avenging his father leads him to do mad things not on purpose.
ReplyDeleteI agree with that because Hamlet was literally planning his revenge in this hatred and hoarse voice. Whereas in the Tennant one, he wasn't as angry but more like miserable.
DeletePersonally, I thought that Act 3 Scene 4 was very interesting but bizarre. Despite it being unintentional or not, it was disappointing to see Hamlet become hypocritical...especially in both of Gibson & Tenant's films. At this point, I was already pitying Hamlet and sympathizing his grief/distress but seeing him portray an act of incest towards his mother was a let down. Although this was the case, this scene was intentionally set up for anyone's interpretation and that sort of makes it less disgusting(?).
ReplyDeleteZeffirelli has NO chill. I have no idea where in the pits of hell did Zeffirelli get that idea but it was interesting to watch the scene in his interpretation. I don't think Mel Gibson fit the role of Hamlet very well. Gibson seems more like a passionate warrior who doesn't hesitant in battle, like in Braveheart, not some depressed teen angry at his uncle and mom. Tennant, however, fits the role much better, but I think the scene with Gertrude was a little DRAGGED OUT (Polonius ;) ). Tennant's Hamlet is also set in a modern era, which makes scenes like Hamlet comparing pictures of King Hamlet and Claudius much easier. The Gibson version compares two necklaces and it was kind of weird. Also wouldn't the queen's room be heavily guarded? How does no one hear 1. Polonius and Gertrude yelling for help, 2. Tennant's gunshot.
ReplyDeleteI think another thing that makes Gibson seem less fit for Hamlet is that he, as an actor, is very close in age to the actress who plays his mother. So the scenes with the two of them are already uncomfortable, and then III/4 is doubly uncomfortable.
DeleteI think Tennant's version is unreal because kings and guns during that time??? and just talking in that script made me question the practicality. Zeffirelli has no chill but the culture in that setting and time also has no chill.
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ReplyDeleteThe Mel Gibson scene was much more intense and seemed more as love interest that the David Tennant scene. The way that Hamlet and Gertrude kissed in the Mel Gibson scene made me feel very uncomfortable. The David Tennant scene made Hamlet seem more crazy than in love with his mother in a different type of way.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, the Mel Gibson scene is way more serious and tries to recreate the original setting of the play, while the Tennant one is more a completely different recreation.
DeleteThe major difference between the Mel Gibson scene and David Tennant scene are that the former one focuses on recreating the medieval setting of the play and is striving to be modest, the latter one gives a broader interpretation of Shakespeare's play and brings it into a comedic modern setting. Also, for character description, Mel Gibson scene shows a more modest, serious and profound expression of emotion, while the Tennant scene makes the expressions extremely exaggerated and sometimes even laughable. The similarity between the two scenes is that both have some personal interpretation for Shakespeare's works, as the Mel Gibson scene is very short and cuts out many Shakespeare's original quotes, while the Tennant scene changes the setting.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the Tennant version is set in the modern era, I feel it is more reflective of the original play than the Zefferelli version. The incestuous scene between Hamlet and his mother makes the potential interpretation of events very different from the original play.
DeleteThe Tennant scene was more focused on his insanity, and had a mother-son moment where the two just hugged it out, whereas the Gibson scene did not really portray Hamlet as a mad person. In the Tennant version, Hamlet made his voice sound weird occasionally, while inn Gibson his voice remained normal. Both scenes had the two kiss, though the Gibson version contained more sexual tension.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Tennant version focused more on insanity, however, I believe that both movies had focused on the insanity of Hamlet, but in different methods. In the Tennant version, the broken glass was a symbol of Hamlet's sanity, while in the Gibson version had blatantly shown how crazy Hamlet was.
DeleteIn response to prompt #2:
ReplyDeleteBoth versions of Act III Scene 4 were portrayed quite intensely, to say the least. It's an emotional scene in which there's a murder, an argument, and the revealing of King Claudius as King Hamlet's murderer: the Gibson and the Tennant version both accomplish all these things. The latter is easier to watch, in my opinion, because the setting is modern, the lighting is better, and the emotions of the characters are expressed genuinely but modestly. The Gibson version was blocked in such a way that Hamlet's mixed feelings towards his mother are expressed physically/sexually and even if he's really "mad" it feels (gross and) out of character, especially since in the scene he bases many of his arguments against incest. I would also like to say that in both scenes, the shock of Polonius' murder is forgotten in the characters' portrayal. Neither Hamlet nor his mother seem to be truly affected by the fact that there's a dead man lying feet away from them.
Overall, I would say that this scene, while important to the plot, is not the greatest for the audience.
I was shocked when Polonius was murdered by Hamlet just by being stabbed while hiding behind the carpet. I was unexpected by it because I didn't think Hamlet would be able to find him at once.
DeleteI was shocked by the Mel Gibson version, as I didn't expect an intimate relationship between Hamlet and is mother. I think that the David Tennant version had a different emphasis as it focused on the more emotional side of both characters.
ReplyDeleteYes, I too feel that the intimacy was shocking. Each movie bought its own rendition of the play to the viewer
DeleteI agree, the Tennant version was focused on the emotional and insanity of Hamlet, whereas the Gibson version was somewhat disturbing with the incestuous behaviors Hamlet and Gertrude portrayed.
Deletei was shocked too. and grossed out. this version was more focused on how mad hamlet was and how gross old king and queen people were. the difference was how hamlet was responding towards his mother.
DeleteThe Tennant version was a lot more tame than Zefferelli's. Apart from the weird incestuous part of Zefferelli's version, I thought that a big difference was the interpretation of Gertrude's complicity in Hamlet Sr.'s murder. In Zefferelli's version, it seems that she is somewhat aware of the details of the murder, whereas in Tennant's, it doesn't seem so.
ReplyDeleteI agree in that Tennant's scene focused more on making Hamlet look insane, whereas Zefferelli makes the play much more streamlined and predictable.
DeleteThe David Tennant version was based on a more modern society compared to the Zefferelli version. I thought that the Zefferelli version was much more focused on the plot and intensity of the interaction between Hamlet and his mother whereas the Tennant version was more broad and not as intense. Both scenes were intense, but my interpretation of the scene was more on the Tennant movie. The overall scene in the Zeferelli version just shocked me at how much emotion and intimacy Gertrude had with Hamlet.
ReplyDeleteI liked that the David Tennant version was more modernized :) It gave a fun twist to the production as I was watching it. I also agree with you about how emotionally surprising it was in the Zeferelli version.I was a little scared :( :O
DeleteTo add on, I believe that the Zeferelli version helped show that Hamlet still loved his mother as shown by the outburst of emotion. Tennant seemed more focused on the individual rather than the relationship.
DeleteThe Gibson version was much more real in a way that it made more sense as a Shakespeare play. The setting was very traditional and the acting as well. Although the incest kiss and all were very uncomfortable, I felt that this version was much more in context. The Tennant version was strangely modern and also very well expressed. I think it focuses much more on the emotions rather than the entire setting of Hamlet since the props and setting is more contemporary.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The Gibson version appealed to me more too since the Tennat version was too modern for Shakespeare. When I watched it I did not think the words and way of speaking matched up with the modern day actions.
Delete2. The Tennant scene was a lot darker and longer than Zefferelli's. Tennant's scene depicted more of a mother and son relationship than Zefferelli. Tennant showed how at first Hamlet was aggressive and attacking toward his mother, but in the end they share a long hug in which they both break down and cry to each other depicting the mother son bond. Although they both are annoyed with each other, they still love each other and want the best for the other. Zefferelli's version was a lot more aggressive. Hamlet literally attacks his mother and it looks like she is literally struggling to breathe. Zefferelli's kiss seemed more forced and an act of insanity, where as Tennant's kiss was more of a child kissing their mother goodbye. Tennant's version was a lot more modern than Zefferelli's, however I preferred Zefferelli's. In my opinion, it depicted the time period a lot better and matched more closely to what I imagined in my head. However, both scenes were very intense and dramatic, and did a good job depicting what happened throughout the scene.
ReplyDeleteI agree with how Tennant's version showed a more intimate mother and son relationship than Zefferelli's and how both of the two scenes were fairly accurate in accordance with the book. I like how you compared the relationships with each other and how Zefferelli's scene between Hamlet and his mother depicted an act of insanity.
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ReplyDeleteI think that the Zefferelli version was more of a traditional version of Hamlet, whereas the Tennant version tried to put more of a modern spin onto it. This can be seen from the difference in outfits and lighting. The Tennant version had much whiter, modern lighting and clothing, while the Zefferelli version had furs and royal clothing. In addition to this, the Zefferelli version focused more on the emotional tension between Hamlet and Gertrude, while the Tennant version mostly focused on Hamlet's insanity, as seen from the exaggerated actions and voices. The modern, cold lighting also helped the director achieve this affect. In the Tennant version, the rooms looked like parts of an asylum, reflecting Hamlet's insanity, whereas the Zefferelli version had much warmer lighting, focusing on the emotions between Hamlet and his mother.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the modernity of Tennant's version, and I did not notice the change of lighting or its purpose. It is interesting how you mentioned the setting and how it affects the audience's views of Hamlet and his insanity.
DeleteI think the Tennant version was more focused on how Hamlet is lead down the path of insanity while the Mel Gibson version was focused around the emotion behind the scene. The Tennant version had a more modern approach while the Gibson version had a more traditional one. I was also shocked by the kiss exchanged by Hamlet and his mother. Lastly, both scenes had a similar outcome.
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DeleteI also thought that the scenes had a similar outcome just one was more intense than the other.
DeleteI agree. It seems that in the Tennant version not only was modern, but also focuses more on Hamlet's change more so than the scene itself. The Gibson scene was more about the conflict between the two, and you could see this by the emphasis on the situation between the two.
DeleteThe Gibson version had the setting of the ancient times and the Tennant version was the modern times. When Gibson version used swords, Tennant version used switchblades and guns. Hamlet in Tennant version seemed more mad than the other one. I think the directors were trying to interpret the madness of Hamlet after he met his father's ghost, and figuring out the fact that his Uncle has murdered his father.
ReplyDeleteI also found it interesting how one was in a more modern setting and the other was more medieval.
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Delete2) There were many differences between the portrayals of Act 3 Scene 4 amongst the two versions we watched. Whilst one attempted to take a modern approach to the scene and bringing the royalty of Denmark to something plausible in today's world, the other attempted to capture the unique setting of the time period Shakespeare wrote in. I personally was drawn to the archaic version of the play for it gave a more accurate portrayal of how the play was intended to be acted out. Meanwhile, the modern-day version left a little to be desired for while there appearance was modern, their actions and the reasoning was not something that could be condoned in modern day. Not to mention, the mismatch of "Shakespearean" language and modern attire did not make for a convincing story. Thus, I preferred the archaic Hamlet.
ReplyDeletePersonally I preferred the mix of archaic and modern language as I felt it made the dialogue clearer and left a larger impact. With Old English, I feel a lot of the intent and meaning behind the words can be lost in the moment to us modern day viewers who aren't familiar with the language. However I still think both versions portrayed the scene wonderfully, if a little graphic in Zeffirelli's version.
DeleteI also thought the archaic Hamlet captured the setting of the time period and place that Shakespeare intended to have when he wrote the play. However, I think the modern version had a unique way of showing Shakespeare's play with more recent times by using modern clothing and guns instead of swords.
DeleteI felt that the Mel Gibson version of the scene was much more dramatic and focused less on how to portray the insanity of Hamlet. It was really focused on the relationship between mother and son and Hamlet's wild behavior towards his mother due to his fury. The Tennant version was less intense in showcasing mother and son relationship, but did better on depicting Hamlet's madness, especially when Hamlet crouched to the floor as his father's ghost reappeared. Overall, both scenes were intense and dramatic, but had different focuses on which to emphasize further.
ReplyDeleteI agree; each director had a different interpretation as to what aspect of the play they thought was more important for people to see and understand--Hamlet's relationship with his mother, or his apparent lack of sanity.
Delete2. So I thought both versions were similar in terms of their abilities to properly represent Shakespeare's intent in the play. Both versions brought the play to life and the actors were excellent when it came to their emotion and tone. Both versions were different in not only the modernity of characters, but also the relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude. I felt that the second version (Tennant) showed a much stronger relationship between Hamlet and his mother, whereas the first version (Zefferelli) showed more of a conflicting relationship. Hamlet and his mother hugging and embracing each other in Tennant's version showed their love for each other (even though Hamlet has lost his respect for her). In Zefferelli's version, his mother kissed Hamlet to make him stop talking. I was pretty surprised with how much space directors had to use their creativity and make the scenes seem completely different in two versions of the same play.
ReplyDeleteI also feel that a difference between the two versions was how Hamlet was represented. In the Zefferelli version, Hamlet was depicted more of a person in distress, whereas in the Tennant version, Hamlet was simply insane.
DeleteI agree completely. The way the directors were able to spin the same script into two different interpretations is amazing. Zeff kept things old school, while Tennant provided a modern twist to it. In projecting their own thoughts on the work gave them a bit more creative freedom.
DeleteThe Mel Gibson's version had a vengeful portrayal of Hamlet, with dramatic and suspenseful actions while the Tennant version was quite tame and less forceful than the other. In both versions, Hamlet had the upper hand over his mother. He would forcefully hold his mother's head or some part of her to force her to listen and repent, but in the Gibson version, Hamlet's mother was timid than in Tennant's. The director may had made her character more timid to emphasize the violence and vengeance of Hamlet, creating a more intimate and dramatic relationship with the family. Although the settings of the two contrasted, with the Mel Gibson version in the medieval times and the Tennant version closer to the 21st century, both had a wild portrayal of Hamlet, even though the Gibson version was more intense in comparison with the Tennant version.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree that definitely in contrast to the traditional Gertrude, modern Gertrude does stand up for herself (in the beginning). It's the mindset and way women were raised traditionally vs. now.
DeleteI agree that the Tennant version was more tame. The Tennant version was also more modernized and appealing to us. The Gibson version was definitely wilder and more forceful.
DeleteBoth version were quite intense and portrayed Hamlet's insanity, however, Mel Gibson's version focused more on portraying Hamlet as a crazed son compared to Tennant's version. Tennant's version focused more on the setting and symbolism, where the broken glass represented Hamlet himself as well as the whole situation. Tennant's version was better in my opinion, because they focused more on the setting and symbolism which gives the watchers something to think about compared to Mel Gibson's version. Both directors wanted to represent Hamlet in a crazed/broken way, but both did it in different methods. In Mel Gibson's, Hamlet's craze was directly shown through his treatment to his mother, but in Tennant's, it was more symbolic rather than plainly shown.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you thought of the symbolism that occurred in Tennant's version of the scene. I think that the mirror and broken glass represented Hamlet as well and how it is foreshadowing how broken Hamlet will be following this scene. I agree with the fact that the directors wanted to portray Hamlet as a crazed person and that they showed a difference in how they sought to portray him.
DeleteI found the way they chose to portray Scene 3 Act 4 to be very fitting, though a little bit uncomfortable to me. I honestly expected the scene to be a more conversational scene, but it turned out to be very action-filled, even a little intimate. The Gibson version seemed to portray it in a way that seemed like it was in medieval times, and Tennant seemed to be portrayed in modern times, by the way he used a gun and it was glass he shot.
ReplyDeleteFor the Zeffereli version, I was disturbed by the way Hamlet was portrayed. Though I knew he was supposed to be mad, the way Mel Gibson played the character was emotionally driven and extreme. He did a good job showing just how crazy and scheming Hamlet is. All actions felt at home in the medieval setting, in contrast with Tennant's pseudo-medieval setting with modern touches. I was less fazed by the Tennant portrayal, as I felt that the main actor portrayed Hamlet as someone who's crazy yet vulnerable. He wasn't as intimidating. I was particularly shocked by the kissing scenes in both movies, as there's nothing in the original script to infer that.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think that the Mel Gibson version was definitely more emotional and dramatic. I agree that it made Hamlet seem extremely crazy. The David Tennant version didn't really faze me either. I think it's because of how less dramatic Hamlet is portrayed in this version. I was also shocked by the kissing scenes as well! They were totally unexpected.
DeleteI think Mel Gibson version was emphasizing the insanity of Hamlet more than Gertrude's confusion. The scene was mostly showing the Hamlet and he had more line than Gertrude. Especially, I think the kissing scene shows how hypocrite he is based on his incestuous act. On the other hand, David Tennant version showed the Hamlet's immaturity. In this version, he was more like kid who is mad about their parents. Gertrude also treats him more like her son and tries to console him. This version had kissing scene, but it looked more like mom is giving good night kiss to children.
ReplyDeleteBoth scenes did a good job portraying Hamlet’s somewhat incestuous relationship with his mother (ironic considering Hamlet’s accusations to Gertrude of incest when she married her husband’s brother) as well as his madness. However, the Mel Gibson scene tended to focus more on the dynamic between Hamlet and Gertrude and their relationship, while the David Tennant scene focused more on Hamlet’s insanity. Each scene offers the director’s different takes on which aspect of the scene is more important for viewers to understand, probably affecting how they view the rest of the play.
ReplyDeleteI thought the Zefferelli version of the scene was a lot more emotional in parts, but I question the necessity of the more graphic bits there. Also I believe Zeffirelli's version also focused on Hamlet feeling that Gertrude betrayed Old Hamlet's love for her. The Tennant scene I think has a much greater emphasis on Hamlet's apparent madness, as his reaction is much more visible and extreme than in the Zefferelli version. The acting on Tennant's part is also much more flippant and happy madness at first. It's also interesting since Shakespeare left no acting instructions that the directors both had Hamlet with a lot of physical action to make Gertrude feel like she was in actual danger. However I think both versions portray the amount of distress, grief and sadness Gertrude feels very well. Although one point against the Tennant version is why no one came running at the sound of the gunshot.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, having the explicit parts of the scene was necessary to showcase Zeffirelli's interpretation of the scene. Hamlet acts in such an incestuous manner to convey a sense of disgust within not only the audience but also Gertrude herself. He wants to convince Gertrude to stop sleeping with Claudius; and believes that he can only do so by evoking a sense of disgust, which is evident among all of us as the audience.
DeleteThe Mel Gibson scene was much more faithful to the original script, with a similar setting and direction. In contrast, David Tennant had a more modern setting, most notably shown by Hamlet shooting Polonius through a mirror. Even though the settings are largely different, the conversation wasn't. Mel Gibson and David Tennant both show a lot of emotion when chastising Gertrude, and Gertrude responds similarly in guilt in both scenes. One thing that is a little different is that the ghost seems like an illusion for David Tennant, whereas with Mel Gibson, it was more so that Gertrude was unable to see it. I think that Mel Gibson was meant to stay as faithful as possible in order feel like it was a re-enacting of one of Shakespeare's plays back when he was still alive. In contrast, David Tennant is faithful to the message and meaning of Hamlet, as it's supposed to be a story that anyone can relate to for as long as we exist. By having a modern setting, it shows how timeless and relevant Shakespeare still is.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement about the different portrayals of the Ghost of Old Hamlet. It is interesting to see how the Ghost remains far off from Hamlet and his mother, while in coming in close contact with Hamlet's mother, even shown to brush her hair before he disappears. The differences in these interpretations create completely different portrayals of Hamlet's madness.
DeletePersonally, I found both scenes disturbing while very emotionally driven. Both of the Hamlets (in both films) maintained a degree of madness, which led to them committing shocking actions. Both of the films' scene is a cathartic moment for Hamlet, as he explodes with mental and physical violence. He pins all of his current frustration onto his mother, which both films showcase. In Zefferelli's film, Hamlet releases his anger and frustration on his mother in a sexual manner, perhaps to show how disgusting incestuous marriage is. On the other hand in Tennant's version, Hamlet releases his pent up emotions through physical violence, which he grabs his mother by her hair and forces her to look at the pictures of late king Hamlet and Claudius. Both films were able to successfully convey Hamlet's catharsis in this scene of the play.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Mel Gibson version was much more dramatic than the David Tennant version. The Mel Gibson version also focused more on Hamlet's relationship with his mother while the David Tennant version focused on Hamlet's madness. I also noticed how the David Tennant version was more modern with the guns, clothing, cigarette, etc. However, I prefer the Mel Gibson version better because it's not believable that Hamlet is set in modern times. Even though the Mel Gibson version was disturbing, I think that it was more engaging because of how dramatic it was. In addition, some parts in the David Tennant scene seemed a bit strange and random (ex: the random kiss). Also, it was just strange seeing the characters in a modern setting talking in shakespearean language. Overall, I'd say that the Mel Gibson version is a better representation of Shakespeare's Hamlet.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the David Tennant version focuses more on Hamlet's anger towards his mother, for the Mel Gibson shows more of a relationship and how Hamlet is trying to protect her mother. David Tennant on the otherhand argued intensively and yelled at her almost the entire scene, which does not show his relationship with his mother, but rather a lost of his mother's love, or there may be the case that Hamlet lost control of his emotions and actions. The Mel Gibson version is where Hamlet can really control himself, but his mother lost control of her emotions instead.
Deletealthough the mel gibson version of Hamlet had more dramatic acting and emotion, i think i would have liked if the setting was a bit darker and there was less light, like in the tennant version, as i feel like it would have set a more ominous and darker mood.
Delete2: Both versions were a little disturbing to me. The Gibson version seemed a little more violent and disgusting to me, because of the strange incestuous part. The Tennant version was more appealing to me, as it seemed to be more focused on Hamlet's insanity when he saw the ghost of his father. Also, Gertrude seemed a little insane when she laughed and started hitting herself and crying. Also, it didn't seem like she knew anything about the murder of her husband.
ReplyDeletePrompt 1: The choices made in the Mel Gibson scene were more traditional in both script writing but also because of the classically-trained actors (which were different compared to the more modern version.) The Gibson scene had an animal-like quality to it especially regarding Hamlet's and the Queen's sexual confusion. Traditionally, it was common that the royal family would marry relatives and with the pent up sexual confusion this was a more realistic choice for the time period. In contrast to our modern era, it was more about the conflicting emotions. The modern Gertrude is also has a more gritty quality to her as opposed to the softer and pliant Gertrude in Gibson's movie.
ReplyDeleteMy feelings and emotions went back and forth as I was personally watching the characters during the films. My heart broke for the way they were hurting and crying out of pain-- I felt their hurt even though I could not relate. Out of compassion, I wanted to hug them and let them know how loved that they are as special individuals that deserve to be treated properly. My biggest thing was that I wanted them to be safe, heathy, comfortable, and content with who they are. Yet there were these other feelings of sadness and disappointment which really tugged on my heart because the things they did were unloving and harsh. It was violent, bitter, emotional-- I felt as if they did not know who they are in their hearts. Their emotions took over their entire mind which led to hurting the other person. This was something I saw as unjust and not the best way in solving the problem. Yet compassion and love was the greatest way I could understand them and still see their human hearts inside.
ReplyDeleteI agree especially in this scene, we see Gertrude torn apart between her love for Claudius and for Hamlet. In both films, Gertrude caresses Hamlet in a loving manner, which displays her love and concern for him. And when the ghost appears again, Gertrude immediately shows a great amount of concern for Hamlet, and is constantly asking if Hamlet is ok. In the beginning, we think of Gertrude in a bad light, however in this scene especially, we begin to see Gertrude's human and mother like aspects shine through.
DeleteI agree! Both versions of this scene were portrayed very violently and harshly. It was kind of uncomfortable watching them. At the same time, they also made me think why Hamlet was acting that way. Although Hamlet's actions cannot be justified, I can see why he was so angry.
DeleteBoth versions had very intense feeling, but I thought the Tennant's version was much more aggressive than the Zeferelli's version. In Tennenat's version, Hamlet screamed frequently and used big body languages to threaten Gertrude. Similarly, Gertrude in Tennant's version was fighting Hamlet back, while Gertrude in Zeferelli's version was more scared.
ReplyDeleteIn the Mel Gibson version, it felt as if everything was more focused on Hamlet's insanity and his mother's shock/despair. With the small bed and close interactions between Hamlet and his mother, the scene felt much more tense and emotional compared to the David Tennant version. The David Tennant version had a much bigger, darker/contrasting room, using colors like the blackness of the walls and the whiteness of the lights to symbolize purity and corruption. In general, the director of David Tennant's version seemed to want to focus more on the impact of the rapid movement and the symbolism portrayed in the color usage and shattered glass rather than just the interactions between Hamlet and his mother. Both felt extremely jarring, with the Mel Gibson version making a bigger impact emotionally because of the small room and close/rough interactions versus the wide and almost frenzy-like movement in the David Tennant version.
ReplyDeleteThe mel Gison depiction of the Hamlet and his mother scene is really weird and awkward to watch. I don really understand why the director chose to go with how the actor for Hamlet and Gertrude were acting. In the david tennant version, it was a bit more modern as hamlet is wearing a tuxedo and he shoots polonius with a pistol. The scene with Hamlet and his mother is more drawn out and less awkward to watch
ReplyDeleteEven though the Zeffareli Version was very vulgar and violet, I felt it better depicted the script. It emphasized Hamlet's madness and Gertrude's perception of the madness better than the second film. When the ghost enters in the first film, it is clear that only Hamlet could see him, thus making him seem crazy. The first film also stuck to the script better. Gibson's version was milder and easier to understand, however. Gibson's was a little more awkward than violent compared to the other film.
ReplyDeleteYa I totally agree! Hamlet is a dark tragedy, and the film did an awesome job capturing the emotional distraught within Hamlet and Gertrude. On top of that, Hamlet did a fantastic job man-handling Polonius with his sword.
DeleteI totally agree as well. The Zeffareli version always seemed like a traditional interpretation of Hamlet even though the mother/son thing was pretty gnarly. The darkness of this version was in tune with how the play is usually read.
DeleteI agree that the Zeffareli version was very much a portrayal of the script too. I also believe this version stuck more to the script as opposed to the Tennant's version.
DeleteBoth Act 3 Scenes 4 had the same setting in the bedroom and played out similar. Hamlet and Gertrude got in a heated fight where Hamlet blamed Gertrude for betraying her love for King Hamlet and married the murderer of Father Hamlet. The 1st film was definitely darker and dramatic. Both actor and actress were on the brink of distraught and Hamlet was forcing Gertrude in emotional distress as he wrestled her on the bed. The 2nd film was more mad than dramatic. Hamlet seemed more insane and just angry and didn't traumatize Gertrude as much. The 1st film was also more classical, because Hamlet wielded a sword to kill Polonius, but in the 2nd film Hamlet shot Polonius with a handgun. I thought that was funny because I didn't expect him to whip out a gun haha xD
ReplyDeleteI also think that it was funny and unexpected for him to pull out a gun. And I also agree that the second film was much more dramatic. The lighting of the scene as well as Hamlet's apparent madness made the scene much more intense. In addition, Hamlet made random weird noises which really helped amplify his madness.
DeleteI think that both interpretations of the scene were valid and that it is very interesting how two people can read the same text and get very different images. I that the Gibson version was much more Shakespeare-like. The acting showed Hamlets obsession with his mother as well as his definite madness. I still think that its weird how in both versions Hamlet kills someone and then the two just talk and afterwards Hamlet leaves dragging out a dead body and neither one is disturbed by it.
ReplyDeleteThe Mel Gibson version was much more dramatic, emotional, and felt more personal than the David Tennant version. It was a bit more disturbing as Hamlet and his mom were so close. It was almost word to word with the actual script making it very real. In the David Tennant version it was much more chaotic and crazy fueled by raging emotions. It did not follow the script exactly, but I feel the actors did a better job portraying the emotions in this version than the other. Their facial expression and actions gave more meaning to the words and the play. Also David Tennant is just an amazing actor.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Gibson version was a lot more dramatic and focused on the emotional impact. I also felt disturbed by Hamlet and the queen's closeness! I also loved the facial expressions in the Tenant version!
DeleteI feel like Mel Gibson's portrayal of act 3 scene 4 better demonstrates the emotions behind hamlet's actions. gertrude slapping hamlet and his anger following the slap was very intense. when he hears the noise, instead of killing polonius with a gun,hamlet plunges his sword into polonius' chest and kills him. hamlet's kiss with his mother also seems passionate rather than an afterthought thrown in at the end of the scene.
ReplyDeleteHi Paul! I agree that Gibson's portrayal better demonstrated the emotions behind Hamlet's actions. I feel that Gibson genuinely understood what Shakespeare was trying to convey, while Tennant's interpretation was a bit more shallow.
DeleteI agree. Gibson's version seemed a lot more natural and real than Tennant's version. The emotions also come across as more genuine and less forced.
DeleteI also agree because the Mel Gibson version felt like it better suited the time period and more closely followed the book.
DeleteAfter watching the two different versions of the same scene, I saw many differences and similarities between the Mel Gibson and David Tennant version. In the Mel Gibson version, there wasn't much of a focus on Claudius' soliloquy. It was rather brief. In the Tennant version, Claudius' soliloquy is lengthy and there was a light shinning in the background of his speech. Hamlet also appeared to look crazy in this scene with his crooked crown and his appearance. The Tennant version also was more modern, with Hamlet using a gun and a switchblade rather than a sword like the Gibson version. In both versions, there is an intense scene between Hamlet and his mother, Gertrude, but the intensity is portrayed in different ways. In the Gibson version, Hamlet is the one who holds his mother, but in the Tennant version, Gertrude is holding Hamlet. There was also a lengthy kissing scene in the Gibson version between Hamlet and his mother to portray the intensity and passion. Personally, I prefer the more modern version of Tennant's version because it gives Hamlet a different kind of meaning and interpretation.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I thought that in Tennant's version the way that Hamlet dressed really emphasized that he wasn't sane at that moment. I also prefer Tennant's version because it really focused on making Hamlet drift between the fine line of insanity and anger.
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DeleteBoth versions of Act 4 scene 4 were very dramatic and intense. I was really shocked about the kissing between Hamlet and his mother because when I read the play, I didn't imagine the conversation like that. I think the directors used that to exaggerate and dramatize the play. I feel that in the David Tennant one, the mother was almost babying him in the end, but in the Zeffirelli version, Hamlet looks and acts older than a 18 year old. Also, when the ghost comes in, David Tennant looks a lot more crazy and insane than Mel Gibson does.
ReplyDeleteI felt that the Gibson version made a lot more sense and was also a lot more interesting, because the context and setting were in line with the Shakespeare's original intent. It was more natural to watch, and I felt the actors were also far more smooth in acting the characters. Although the Tennant version was trying to achieve a more modern taste, I felt that it was rather awkward and more cringe-inducing to watch. The setting and language were contradictory, and the actors in the Tennant version were also a bit overly dramatic. Overall I felt that the Gibson version was just much more natural.
ReplyDeleteI agree that trying to make the play more modern just ended up making the scene more awkward instead. To me, it kind of ruined my image of what the scene was supposed to be, just because of how different it was from the setting.
DeleteI agree with you that the Gibson version was more authentic and content to watch. The Tenant version was more dramatic and appealing for humor and excitement, but in trying to get a feel for Shakespeare, Gibson is the better choice.
DeleteBetween the two versions, there were many significant differences. In the Gibson version, there was more chemistry between the characters. Hamlet and Gertrude in the Gibson version appeared to be more intimate than Hamlet and Gertrude in the Tennant version. Their actions seemed more realistic which added to the intensity of the scene. In the Tennant version, the characters lacked a bit of chemistry that was successfully fulfilled in Gibson's version. Also, overall, the modernness of Tennant's Hamlet added an element to the movie that made it less intriguing and less similar to how it was written out in Shakespeare's play.
ReplyDeleteHi Ariana!! I agree with your point that Gibson's version showcased more chemistry between Hamlet and his mother. I also did not like the modernness in Tennant's version because I thought it did not accurately portray the setting Shakespeare wanted in the original play.
DeleteThe Mel Gibson version I thought the Hamlet acted very well. It was obvious that it looked like he was insane, but when he´s alone or making statements to people,generally there is some sense behind it. As he was talking to himself while Claudius was praying, He first thought of reasons to kill or not to kill before taking action. However in the David Tennant version, I thought the Hamlet was crazy. In the praying scene, he immediately runs up with a knife and stops right before stabbing him. It shows the lack of thought that Hamlet has, which makes him seem more insane.The way he spoke, the way he moved, it looked like he completely lost it. Also because it was modern, they used different props and such for the setting, which I think is a nice change because it´s more relatable.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think when it's modern it's more watchable because it's easier to relate to.
DeleteI thought the way that Mel Gibson's Hamlet acted was more crazed than the David Tennant version. During the scene with his mother Mel Gidson's Hamlet was all over the place and very close to his mom leading up to the kiss. This felt like someone who truly might be crazy. While the David Tennant's Hamlet was more tame with his mother. He yelled at her because he was mad, but it was relatively normal compared to the Mel Gibson version.
DeleteI think in the Tennant version Hamlet was more expressive and frantic with his actions and his tone. The way they portrayed his insanity was less aggressive and really made it seem like he was very wrapped up in his own mind rather than focusing on accosting his mother the way Gibson had. There seemed to be less anger and more misery motivating Tennant. I preferred the Tennant version for that reason.
ReplyDeleteOther than that I thought the lighting in the Zefferelli version was really nice. I like the way they left Gertrude in her own shame in the warm lighting as opposed to the harsh, unnatural lighting in the Tennant version. I think it's very interesting to see how people can interpret just these two scenes so differently, and how stark those differences can be simply due to lighting, tone, camera angles, etc.
The Mel Gibson version really focused on Hamlet's insanity. He portrayed Hamlet much more insane than David Tennant did. Mel Gibson had Hamlet be much more physical with his mother while he was talking about the incestuous relationship between Gertrude and Claudius to help the audience understand how weird it really is that Gertrude married Claudius. Hamlet is trying to make his mother feel bad for doing anything with Claudius. In David Tennant's version, the scene is focused not only on Hamlet's insanity, but also the concern his mother has for him. Hamlet is much less physical, but still seems insane.
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ReplyDeleteThe Mel Gibson version of act 3 scene 4 was much more intense and focused in more on the incestuous aspect of the play. The intensity of this version felt more complementary to the time period it was in. The version with David Tennant was a little bit more in tune with a normal mother and son relationship. It also illustrated a stronger bond between Hamlet's mother and father, while the version with Mel Gibson was more detached between them. Zeferelli ultimately seemed to take more artistic liberty with this scene than did the director of the version with David Tennant.
ReplyDeleteI thought the Mel Gibson version was more focused on Hamlet's insanity. He acted more rough with his mother and crazed when he saw his father's ghost. The scene was more tense than the Tennant version, and Hamlet and his mother just constantly yelled at each other the entire time. With the David Tennant version, it showed more of a connection between Hamlet and his mother. Hamlet appeared less crazed, and his mother revealed more emotions than just fear. Her face was filled with worry and guilt rather than just fear that Hamlet would act out while he was mad. When Hamlet pulled the gun on Polonius in the Tennant version, it just lost me as not being historically accurate, and it just made no sense that he had a gun and then later had to use a match for lighting.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that Gibson's version did a better job of portraying Hamlet's insanity with the actions of the actor and how he interacts with Gertrude. I also agree that the actor in the Tennant version did not do a good job of showing the emotions that Hamlet was feeling. Lastly, I was also very confused at the historical accuracy and it took away from the scene greatly.
DeleteI personally preferred Gibson's version more than Tennant's version due to the better utilization of props. Gibson's version was more old-fashioned/traditional, which to me made more sense given the context and time frame of the original play. Tennant's version left me a bit confused, especially when Hamlet used a gun to kill Polonius but then immediately after ignited a match to see his dead face, rather than turning on the lights.
ReplyDeleteSimilarly, the actors in both movies were extremely impassioned and went far beyond just saying their lines, incorporating large movement and clear enunciation on certain words to display emotion. Whereas Gibson's version was largely focused on Hamlet, his mother, and their apparent emotions, Tennant's version seemed to emphasize Hamlet's supposed insanity through the setting as well (IE: the broken glass door). I thought Tennant's version also highlighted more of Gertrude's emotions. For instance, he incorporated scenes where Gertrude laughs (either out of shock or despair) and claws at her face.
While both films conveyed a deep sense of anger in Hamlet, I felt that the Mel Gibson version was more sexual and violent overall. Additionally, I thought this version was better able to convey the confusion and frustration of the scene because the characters were unable to control themselves. On the other hand, I thought the David Tennant version appeared to be a bit strange setting wise because of the clothes (suits) that the characters were wearing. But this version also did a good job of portraying the frustration of the mother whose first laughs then cries in confusion.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the Gibson version stayed true to the book in my opinion.
DeleteI completely agree. Furthermore, I believe that the reason Mel Gibson's version was more sexual is because Hamlet's actions can be viewed through a Freudian lens, in which one of Hamlet's driving factors for revenge is the incestuous acts of his mother.
DeleteFor Mel Gibson's interpretation of Act 3 Scene 4, Hamlet is a lot farther away from Claudius than in David Tennant's. Hamlet is hidden in Mel Gisbon's and although he has a sword in his hand he is further away from Claudius. He also is there when Claudius is "confessing his sins", but he is too far away to hear what Claudius is saying and assumes that Claudius is confessing and decides not to kill him. For the David Tennant version, Hamlet appears after Claudius finishes his soliloquy. He also barely holds back from killing Claudius as he is directly behind Claudius before deciding against killing him.
ReplyDeleteFor the scene with his mother, David Tennant is more consistent with the book as he thinks that Polonius is the king but later realizes that he killed the wrong person. For the Mel Gibson's version, Hamlet kills Polonius when he is in a trance of rage and insanity, and only kills Polonius because he heard someone listening in on their conversation. In both movies, however, Hamlet is very violent towards his mother while his mother begs him to calm down. Hamlet also seems a lot more terrified of the Ghost in David Tennant's version.
I agree. It is interesting to see the two directors' creative takes on the same scene; however, it is interesting to see that both versions Hamlet seems to be violent towards his mother. I also think it is interesting that in Gibson's version, there was a scene between Hamlet and Gertrude kissing to show the anger and passion at the same time shown in the scene.
DeleteIn comparing the two versions that we watched, I felt the Mel Gibson version gave us a more emotional and passionate take on the novel. An instance of this was seen when Hamlet acts very aggressive towards his mother, grabbing her multiple times. The 2 versions differed with notice as the tennant version did not include the make out session between Hamlet and his mother, which I felt was not necessary in the Mel Gibson version but also provided irony as Hamlet is furious at his mother for committing incest but ends up making out with her also.In addition, I felt the tennant scene depicted Hamlet to be more insane compared to the Mel Gibson version.
ReplyDeleteI felt like the Gibson version was a lot more dramatic as Hamlet yelled at his mother and "wrestled" with her on the bed throughout the scene. He seemed a lot more angry at his mother and their interactions made the scene really tense. I felt the David Tennant version was better in bringing in the "mother" character to the scene. For instance, the scene shows the queen and Hamlet embracing and you could really see the concern on the mother's face. The Tennant version took place in a more modern setting. The castle and decor was a lot more luxurious whereas in the Mel Gibson version the castle was a lot less impressive. In the David Tenant version the male characters wore suits whereas in the Gibson version which I felt adhered to what Hamlet would actually wear at the time Shakespeare wrote it. The color tones of the two versions were different as well. The Gibson version had a lot of earthy hues, warm tones such as orange and browns. The Tennant version was cool toned and colors that symbolize the cold, imposing, and "prison-like" castle like blue and black stood out.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think that the David Tennant version brought out the "mother" character a lot better and really showcased the mother-son bond between Hamlet and Gertrude. Unlike in the Gibson version, it was more of warm motherly affection and touching to watch rather than the Gibson version that I thought was disturbing.
DeleteI can definitely say that I felt uncomfortable watching some parts of the Mel Gibson version, however, I do agree that it did a better job portraying the insane state of Hamlet. While the Tennant version showed brought out different aspects of Hamlet's insanity, such as the ghost scene, I would say Gibson did a better job over all. Gibson's version also did a better job showing the reaction of Gertrude when Hamlet killed Polonius and when he talks to the ghost. In David Tennant's version, Gertrude did not react as strongly so the emotions were sort of dulled in my opinion. I also felt like the Gibson version was more historically accurate in terms of props and clothing. In the Tennant version, Hamlet is wearing what seems to be a shirt and tie, and kills Polonius with a gun. Also, Gertrude is wearing silk pajamas. In the Gibson version however, Hamlet is wearing more traditional clothing for that time, and kills Polonius with a sword.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. The Mel Gibson version of Hamlet was a bit disturbing but the way he portrayed Hamlet's insanity was how I thought it would be while I was reading the play. I love the direction of the movie and the interpretation was closest to my personal thoughts.
DeleteThe Mel Gibson version of Hamlet Act 3 Scene 4 was shocking to say the least. Rather than just through harsh words, Hamlet's raw emotions are portrayed by his actions as well and how he treats his mother. The past events have twisted his emotions a lot, but you can clearly see that he still loves his mother. In the David Tennant version, these emotions are still there but not portrayed that extremely. Something I got from the films and not the book is the way that Hamlet and his mother still love each other despite everything. Hamlet believes that his mother is sinful for marrying his uncle so soon after his father's death, but he still cares for her. Gertrude is terrified of Hamlet's roughness, harsh words, and apparent madness, but that doesn't stop her from still caring and being concerned for her son. It touched me that there could still exist this connection despite all the things that have happened.This was the main aspect of the film that really impacted me. It's not something that you can clearly see when reading the play.
ReplyDeleteThe Mel Gibson version was more authentic than the David Tenant version, but the Tenant one was more dramatic. Both versions showed Hamlet physically interacting with his mother by hugging and kissing her, which reminded me of the Oedipus complex. Both also used light symbolism. For instance, the light was shining on Claudius while he was praying, and Hamlet was hiding behind him under a shadow. The Ghost in the David Tenant version approached closer to Gertrude and Hamlet than in the Mel Gibson version, adding more drama and intensity. Moreover, the Gerturde in
ReplyDeleteTenent version was more crazy and insane than the Gertrude in Mel Gibson. Hamlet and Gertrude comparing the portraits of King Hamlet and Claudius on their madallions was something that was mentioned in the Folger notes when reading the play, although that part is also open to interpretation. However, I found that the Mel Gibson's version adding that detail made it more authentic.
I found both scenes to be very emotionally charged. However, I thought that the Zeffirelli version aligned with a Freudian interpretation of the play as Hamlet kisses his mother midway. The Tennant version, the driving factor for Hamlet is the murder of his father, not his mother's incestuous actions. I found it interesting how Hamlet's primary motivations differed in these two interpretations. The close contact and having the camera focused solely on the bed in the Zeffirelli version supports this idea, whereas the broad angles in the Tennant version that encompass the shattered glass and stark blacks and whites portray Hamlet's conflicted nature.
ReplyDeleteIn the Mel Gibson version, the scene showed that the relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude was very close when they kissed on her bed. This part was the most uncomfortable, however, I think that the rest of the scene was not as disturbing. Hamlet was depicted very similar to what I thought he would be when I read the book: his feigned insanity was played very well, and his violent behavior towards his mother, though I did not expect him to hit her or push her. Gertrude, however, did not meet my expectations as much. I thought that she would be portrayed a stronger woman, however, she is more terrified of Hamlet and his insanity as opposed to angry with him. I also liked the fact that this version was much more historically accurate than the David Tennant version.
ReplyDeleteI despised the fact that the David Tennant version was not historically accurate. For example, Hamlet pulls out a gun and shoots Polonius, who is hiding behind a mirror, and Gertrude is smoking a cigarette and drinking. However, once I got past this, I noticed the symbolism of the mirror and thought that the direction in this movie was slightly better because of how Hamlet looks at the mirror. I also liked the fact that Gertrude played a less passive role in her confrontation with Hamlet. I also liked the fact that Gertrude was portrayed as a more motherly figure in this version, as seen through her concern for Hamlet when he is crying in her lap.
The Mel Gibson version was definitely more wild and intense, with dramatic motions and behavior from both characters. Gertrude slaps Hamlet and kisses him, while Hamlet humps her. Regarding the incest in the scene, I don't believe they have romantic feelings for each other. I think Gertrude was just trying to escape from her guilt. By slapping Hamlet across the face, she took out her anger and self-blame at him; by kissing Hamlet, she distracted herself sexually and shut him up. As for Hamlet assaulting his mom and accepting the kiss, I think he was attempting to add on to her guilt by showing how easy she is to men. I don't agree with any of their actions but I thought the way they portrayed their emotions in that scene was authentic and interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe David Tennant version used subtle symbols and was more contemplative than intense. While this adaptation requires the audience to catch the symbolism and interpret the scene themselves, I thought this style of directing was interesting too. However, I felt that the Mel Gibson version did a better job of portraying the scene because the emotions were more explicit, although it made the audience uncomfortable at times.
I agree. In Gibson's version, both Hamlet and Gertrude violent and harsh both physically and verbally. As in Tennant's version, it was a little more calm, but just as tense as the other version.
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ReplyDeleteI found the Tennant version to be very interesting, as it took a different approach to Hamlet's charade of madness and portrayed him as a much jumpier person but less violent person compared to the Mel Gibson version, where Hamlet showed strong emotions and acted violently when speaking with his mother, but didn't appear as emotionally jumpy in the scene. Furthermore, I liked how the director made the choice of focusing on Hamlet's interaction with the ghost and his mother, as that portion of the scene revealed many deeper emotions of worry that Gertrude has that weren't as visible in the violence of the Mel Gibson version. In addition, this focus made it possible for the viewer to notice symbolic elements in the scene, such as the shattered glass and the black/white contrast of the background.
Tennant’s scene was more modern than Gibson’s hence the weapon used was a gun and the clothes they were wearing. Both scenes build a tense dynamic between Hamlet and his mother. In Gibson’s scene Hamlet was only having short outburst of anger before, but in this scene he is directed to really lose his temper. He takes his frustration out on his mother by using yelling and physical force. Hamlet in Tennant’s scene had already brought his tone to the max and this scene was a continuation of his external feelings. The high intensity was felt in both films but the directors used different tactics to display the intensity.
ReplyDeleteI think in Tennant's scene, the director portrayed Gertrude seeming as she was not as guilty of committing her sins, while in Gibson's scene, you can clearly tell that Gertrude is feeling horrible about herself. Both scenes were pretty crazy, with Hamlet tackling her mother onto her bed and holding each other while Hamlet screamed at her, releasing all his anger. But in general, Mel Gibson's scene was much more intense and wild. Both scenes were very emotionally charged, but the dramatic behaviors of both actors in Mel Gibson's scene really sold the craziness appearance of Hamlet in the play. You can clearly tell why others look at him as if he has gone mad, his actions in the scene clearly reflect that. Although Tenant's scene was still pretty intense, Gertrude's portrayal was not as dramatic and her guilt was not as apparent with her facial expressions.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I noticed how Mel Gibson's version of the scene was more realistic to the time period with medieval castles, outfits, and settings. On the other hand, Tennant's version was more of a modern twist of the Hamlet play, with guns instead of swords, and it didn't look as much anymore and more like a big building. I think both directors chose their own unique portrayal of the scene because one wanted it to be as close to the actual time period while the other wanted to keep the storyline but with a more modern twist.
i am grossed out. they should have been put in jail or whatever they had back then. disgusting. they really wanted to get a reaction out of the audience and they did. my entire class was grossed out. terrible. hamlet is way more mad here and bold and doing nasty crazy stuff. i dont approve. this is incest.
ReplyDeleteAlthough both versions seemed to take place at a different time period, both scenes tells how emotionally unstable and dramatic Hamlet is. But the main difference was the way Hamlet acted. In Mel Gibson's scene, Hamlet was not as harsh and violent towards Gertrude as how he was in Tennant's version of Act 3 Scene 4. There was also a difference in Gertrude as well. In Mel Gibson's version, Gertrude slaps Hamlet, trying to hide her guilt as much as possible. But in Tennant's scene, it was more of arguing in a complicated relationship than being violent towards one another.
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