A comparison of at least two specific scenes in the film to the corresponding scene in the original play.

How is the scene represented or interpreted on screen? Describe and quote from both the film and the
play. Avoid superficial similarities and differences, such as setting and costume. Instead, focus on
substantive themes and characterization differences between the source and the adaptation
Now we come to Act V, scene II, the end, where all characters must meet their end, in honor, or
dishonor.
List of differences:
A longer fight scene
The loyalty of characters to Hamlet is emphasized more
His struggle and story are the end notes of the movie
Furthermore, Claudius is much more a central villain in just one mannerism, where everyone
else seeks redemption.
And finally, Fortinbras is not there
First, let us refer to text where
The scene (in the folger edition) which is merely described as:
Laertes wounds Hamlet. Then in scuffling they change rapiers, and Hamlet wounds Laertes
Is a rather prolonged battle in which Hamlet, ever observant, notices the blade given to Laertes is
sharpened (Nay come again), and perhaps, he even notices the venom on it.
Characters are portrayed as more foul and some as more forgiving
Laertes:
In the movie, when Osric says nothing neither way (ln 329), the scuffle between Hamlet and Laertes
pauses, as if it is a time out after acknowledging Hamlet has the upper hand. Yet afterwards, Laertes
hits the back of Hamlets neck, sealing Hamlets fate AFTER a pause in battle not noble indeed.
Horatio:
The loyalty he has for Hamlet is much more palpable. He weeps at the death of Hamlet, cradles his
dead body, and is part of the end scene the audience is left with.
Gertrude:
Even her sacrifice to try and save hamlet from Claudius is much more apparent in the play. Though the
line I pray you pardon me may seem so, other adaptations of the play, like Mel Gibsons show
Osric:
Heck Osric, from the play, almost seems as he is in on the plan, acting normally and not bewildered at
the deaths.
Claudius:

I wish to focus on one moment, just one moment, on Claudius, because I think it shows everything
about him that is important.
There isnt even the slightest hint of emotion from Claudius. There is the natural fear of death and a
wish to save himself, that foolish man, but at the end, he SHRUGS in the face of death. Only an evil
man can do that.
Important characters who have even the slightest shred of good in them, when they die, have death
speeches. Claudius does not. He has nothing to lose, and nothing to say. There is no more pleading.
The chaos from the result of his actions is more than a just ending
Pulling this all together culiminates in NO Fortinbras the ultimate difference between the text and the
film
We must address the question of why the film must end this way.
Because there can be no more of a continuation in this story of a Danish prince. Fortinbras is
succession. Fortinbras is a future to the Danish helm. Thus, in the sense of continuation, Tennants
Hamlet is far darker than the text, for Horatio does not have a man to whom he can tell Hamlets story.
Instead, we are left with the sight of Hamlets lifeless body in Horatios arms, never to rule Denmark.
And you see this in the cut of some of Hamlets dying words:
I cannot live to hear the news from England.
But I do prophesy th election lights
On Fortinbras; he has my dying voice.
That scene must not be allowed into this version
END QUOTES
Vs the text:
Take up the bodies. Such a sight as this
Becomes the field but here shows much amiss.
Go, bid the soldiers shoot
Line 397-398
Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
The melancholy, betrayal, and murder central to the story of Hamlet are thus accentuated.