Comparative Essay Analysis
Hamlet, a play written by William Shakespeare in the 1600s, is one of the most popular and prominent stories that is used for both learning and analyzing the concepts of Shakespearean literature. Looking at two different perspectives on Hamlet performed by Kenneth Branagh and Mel Gibson, there are a variety of changes that both productions include. Although Kenneth Branagh's production of Hamlet is more based on the text, which results in accuracy for the playwright, Mel Gibson's interpretation explores the additions and subtractions of significant scenes.
For the duration of both productions by Gibson and Branagh, there were additions and subtractions from the text and movie. Gibson's version of Hamlet was plain and precise, with a subtraction of some scenes which the text didn't include. For example, the first scene was deducted where the watchmen come upon the ghost of King Hamlet, and in preference, Horatio addresses the issue to Hamlet. Furthermore, Hamlet seems to be frightened by his father's ghost, unlike Branagh's version, where Hamlet is more curious than frightened. Along with Ophelia's separation from Hamlet, there was a dialogue in which Hamlet expressed a deep, lengthened talk with her, which was significant for the audience to help understand how Hamlet truly feels towards her. However, it was cut off in Gibson's version. Lastly, there were many scenes that were not in order, such as Hamlet's soliloquy, "To be or not to be," which was presented after the scene Ophelia talks with him. There were many cut-offs that Gibson had in his version, which ultimately disconnected from the actual text of Shakespeare's play. Despite the fact that Branagh's version was very outstretched, it was laid out the same as the text. Unlike Gibson, Branagh conveyed a convenient production that ties in with the play.
In order to cast a professional play, directors must consider the actors they are choosing and that they will pass on a vibe to the audience and connect with them to be suitable for their roles. A play is always judged by its actors and their passion for their roles. In this case, the actors in Gibson's production have not accomplished the connection with the audie...
