Analyzing the First Ghost Scene

How did the actors portray the characters?                                                                

   In the (Franco) Zeffirelli version during the ghost scene, i thought Hamlet was very over dramatic. I like the way Old Hamlet acted in this scene, it was realistic. Later on in the movie i thought Hamlet was very funny and well portrayed. 

   The (Kenneth) Branagh version didn't impress me at all during the ghost scene. I enjoyed the flashbacks because it helps you understand whats going on. The way Hamlet acted was fine, the reactions he gave were normal to expect. The only thing that really bothered me was Old Hamlet's voice. If he spoke normally maybe the Director wouldn't have needed flashbacks. It's a real shame because the ominous feeling that the woods gave was good. I understood why Old Hamlet spoke in a creepy voice, but it would be better without it.

  (Michael) Almereyda's version of the ghost scene was nice because of the Father/son moment they share before Old Hamlet Disappears. In the other versions, you feel fear being set in more than a nice moment between them. This scene was different than the others because it had more lighting and the settings were different. Although hotels can be creepy (the shinning for example) it doesn't give off the same feelings that the others do.

   Zeffirelli's version took place at night on top of a castle. Branagh's version of the ghost scene took place in the hair-raising woods. And Almereyda's version took place in a nicely lit hotel. They all have things that make them different, but i can't choose a favorite because they also all have things i dislike about them.