Performances vs. The Play: Direct Comparison

Spoken in very close adaptations to the original language, all of these performance (Kenneth Branagh, David Tennant, Kevin Kline, Mel Gibson) truly brings Shakespeare’s words to life, enacting them in a way that makes the sometimes confusing reading very attainable to a wide audience. Delivered with fervency, paranoia, and sometimes whimsy (especially on the part of David Tennant), all four performances are able to blend a dated language with period-appropriate delivery and modernistic emotional connections. In a way that some scenes in the reading require further explanation or a handy dictionary – the on screen performance is clear and endearing without seeming confusing or half-hearted.  

All of the movies are able to encapture one specific scene -- an illuminating scene between Hamlet and Ophelia that comes across almost better on stage than it does in reading. With a watchful Claudius ever-present on stage, we’re able to take away from the harshness of Hamlet’s words to Ophelia, which raises the emotional ties to the scene. Where readers are distracted by the harshness of his words, the performance allows for a stronger heartbroken moment as we’re able to ignore his wit and purpose, and instead focus on her reactions and words, her subtle wordplay in writing turns to shattered sadness on stage. The dynamic of the piece completely changed for me as a viewer.

The play within a play, as well, is given added dynamic. Taking Hamlet’s monologue out of the scene and allowing for the visual interpretations from Claudius and Gertrude help push through the understanding and adaptation of the play. 

In some other places, such as Hamlet’s famous to be or not to be speech, the visual intent came across more melodramatic then in reading, as his words were forced to a heightened degree, and the interpretation of the words were taken to an extreme for visual and emotional interest.


However, overall, the performances are a very strong dynamic of the reading, allowing for added interpretations, clarity, and general enjoyment.