A-Level English Literature: Hamlet Productions and Critics
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Course
Drama and poetry pre-1900
Institution
OCR
This document is a compilation of a variety of productions and critics for Hamlet by William Shakespeare. The use of these are assessed as part of AO5 (different interpretations), and if used in the exam, will secure a high grade. This is separated by different productions by different producers be...
Hamlet Productions
1948 Olivier:
Court of Elsinore is represented as a shadowy labyrinth, representing hamlet’s state
of mind.
After Hamlet says 'I must be cruel to be kind' in the closet scene, Hamlet and
Gertrude go into a passionate kiss and embrace = Oedipus complex.
The opening scene of Olivier's film features a setting of swirling mists around the
castle battlements, which symbolises the atmosphere of uncertainty and mistrust.
His version of Act 3 Scene 4 featured Hamlet throwing Gertrude on the bed. Olivier
also cast Eileen Herlie, who was 11 years younger than him as his mother, Gertrude,
feeding into Oedipal interpretations.
In Olivier's film, Gertrude appears to acknowledge that the cup she drinks from is
poisoned, (thus making her death appear even more courageous than if she had
been ignorant of the poison).
In 3.3, Claudius is calling out for help from God, seems fearful that he’ll never be
forgiven. Dramatic music shows contrast between Claudius and Hamlet, and how
Hamlet changes his mind (shows his hamartia).
1964 Kozintsev:
Set at sea.
In 1.5, ghost was gesturing for Hamlet to come towards sea, as though he’s taking
him towards a sea of revenge- setting inspired by when Horatio says ‘’tempt you
toward the flood’’.
Ghost is almost like an angel of death that’s brought to Hamlet. Ghost is dressed in
armour and it appears in the direction of the only light present in the sky- could
show that the ghost will bring a sense of light into Hamlet’s life, as it will give him a
reason to live. Ghost has deep and monotonous tone- almost evokes sense of fear,
could show this was what Hamlet was driven by or he was driven by fear of not
fulfilling his filial obligation.
Claudius seems to be putting on a joyous façade but loses this when alone and
becomes aggressive.
Dramatic music in 3.3 increases tension. Claudius is talking to himself in the mirror-
reflecting on his actions and seeing if the punishment is worth the benefits.
1990 Zeffirelli:
Ghost employs a calm, quiet voice & begins to sob while whispering, creates sense of
mystery and evokes sense of sympathy. Cut the character of Fortinbras completely
, allowing the focus of the play to be on dysfunctional families rather than political
discord.
Ophelia is dressed in white whereas men are dressed in dark colours- could show her
purity and their authority over her.
3.4: Gertrude kisses Hamlet but he doesn’t kiss her (could oppose Oedipus’
complex). Hamlet begins scene calmly but uses sarcasm to instigate Gertrude’s
hatred for him. Her fear is shown when he threatens her with a weapon, shows lack
of love- could show distinction between respect shown to mothers and queens vs
fathers and kings, as Hamlet is taking the ghost’s words.
Zeffirelli’s idea was that Hamlet had a sense of ‘’explosive masculinity’’.
1996 Branagh:
hair- Claudius and hamlet have blonde hair= blurring the lines between who’s the
villain and who’s the revenger.
1.2: castle is bright and well-lit; atmosphere is quite joyous- could show haste and
lack of guilt. Hamlet is left alone in illuminated room as everyone has vacated- could
be symbolic of how he feels isolated after OH’s death.
Flashbacks to scenes of Gertrude and Claudius flirting before the death of OH -
emphasising the immorality of their actions as they are shown to commit an affair.
There are also flashbacks of Hamlet and Ophelia's sexual relationship.
During 3.1, Claudius and Polonius are looking through mirrors at Hamlet and
Ophelia. They can witness the interaction whilst not being seen. This is the ultimate
device for deception. Also, the mirrors enable Hamlet to constantly examine himself
internally and externally.
When Laertes is ordering Ophelia that 'his will is not his own' (1.3), Ophelia parts her
lips as though to speak- this is her way of subtly resisting his authority.
Laertes jumps into Ophelia's coffin and takes her decaying body out of it - symbol of
love. Hamlet and Laertes then both leap into the grave and physically fight each
other...highlights the excessive authority they have over her which deprives Ophelia
of autonomy even in death.
Claudius is in a confession box when he prays in 3.3 = precursor that he is going to
spill his sins. Hamlet has a deeper and hoarser voice than Claudius- Claudius is
drifting more towards God whilst Hamlet is drifting further away.
In 3.4, Hamlet runs up to Claudius and holds a dagger, yet his internal monologue
interrupts and he falters again, showing how his philosophical personality holds him
back from being a successful revenger.
Kate Winslet plays Ophelia as a consenting partner in a full sexual relationship with
Hamlet. There are continual flashbacks of love-making sessions with Hamlet. The
ghost wears coloured contacts, speaks with an unnatural, aggressive voice and grabs
Hamlet around the neck to push him to the floor. This film emphasises the territorial
war and power struggle between Denmark & Norway using a giant statue of Old
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