Brett Murphy

Introduction to Theatre
Megan Stahl
Hamlet Essay
I think the most effective adaptation of Hamlet for a contemporary audience out of the
three versions we looked at is the Kenneth Branagh version. Through the design elements, this
version most clearly portrays the character relationships, how the characters feel, establishes the
mood for the rest of the show, and makes understanding Shakespeares language the easiest. The
design is very much alike to the wedding of Charles and Diana, something with which most
people are familiar. I think it is important that this production chose a setting that people can
relate to rather than something utterly unfamiliar (medieval Denmark) or something overly
familiar (the year 2000). It is the setting specifically that, as mentioned, establishes the mood for
the rest of the film.
The most obvious feature of the set is that the space is incredibly large. The guests sit
almost as far off to the side as possible, leaving a wide open space for playing. This contributes
to a sense of power because of the expansiveness. There is also a lot of symmetry to the set
which is most noticeable in the staircase and the upper level and the fact that there is an equal
number of guests on both sides of the wide space. The symmetry emphasizes the order and
precision and stateliness of the place, which is a reflection of the people. This helps viewers
understand the world of the characters, a world where power is everything. Another element of
the set that is very prominent, but whose significance might be understated, is the floor. The floor
of the room is a black and white checkered pattern, though it is more interesting if it is likened to
a chess board. With this in the mind of the audience, it is as if the entire show is a game of chess
where the power is always shifting. Now, all of this set analysis is only possible because the
camera work allows us these views. The camera does a lot more than just show us the set: it

teaches us about certain characters and it helps viewers to know what to look for and what is
important.
An interesting and important piece of camera work is when we are shown Claudius take
Gertrudes hand at the head of the room. The camera shows us the pair from behind so that we
can see what they see. So, not only are we shown explicitly that these two are together (as if we
didnt already know from them walking down the aisle), we also are shown, once again, the large
influence and power that the couple possesses because we see them at the head of this spacious
room full of people. Another specific camera choice happens when a messenger brings Claudius
the letter from young Fortinbras. Claudius receives the letter and, just before he tears up the
letter, the camera closes up on him and the letter so that we are forced to see this action and
recognize its importance. This is one example where the camera work helps us to understand
Shakespeare more easily by showing us exactly what to look for. Perhaps the most interesting
piece of camera work is the pan to Hamlet. By doing this, we learn about Hamlets feeling of
isolation and discontent with the situation (his mother marrying his uncle) because he is so far
removed from the present action. There are also moments where the camera pans to show the full
bodies of the characters. From these camera angles, we see the characters costumes which are
another indication of status and feelings.
The characters whose costumes appear the most prominently are Claudius, Hamlet, and
Gertrude. Claudius is the only one who is wearing all red. Red is a color that signifies royalty
and power, both of which Claudius has. Red also has connections to the devil and hell, so even
before we learn through the text of Claudius evil nature, our first impression of him is that we
should watch out and be wary. Hamlet, on the other hand, is dressed all in black. He stands out
so obviously because no other characters costume features black so heavily. This reinforces the

idea of Hamlets isolation which we also perceived from the camera work. Black also is the color
worn when mourning, so we can tell that Hamlet, although a certain amount of time has passed
since his fathers death, is still affected. Finally, Gertrude is dressed all in white. White
symbolizes purity and innocence, so from this we can tell that Gertrude was a good wife and is
truly a good mother. The sound design also helps us to make this conclusion.
With the exception of clapping and the human voice, there are no sound elements until
Hamlet appears. Gertrude immediately goes to her son, who is still depressed despite all the
reveling and joy, and she speaks to him in an attempt to lift his spirits. During this conversation,
angelic orchestral music plays in the background. I think this is used to emphasize the kindness
and genuine love behind the words that Gertrude speaks, which further implies Gertrudes good
nature. It also supports the beauty of the relationship Gertrude has with Hamlet,
Thus, within only the first 10 minutes of the film, we see how much the design elements
can tell us: we see the contrast between Gertrudes goodness and Claudius evil; Hamlets
depression; we are shown that throughout this production power (and who has it) is going to play
a huge role in the action. So, because this version is able to make such important distinctions and
characterizations so quickly and clearly without even the use of text, this version is the most
accessible to a contemporary audience.