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The Ghost of King Hamlet

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The ghost of King Hamlet
William Shakespeare’s drama ‘Hamlet’ has been converted into a film production several times and in various ways. Producers of these films such as Dyson Lovell and David Barron have different ways they portray these movies. In comparing the ghost of King Hamlet in the movie production ‘Hamlet’ starring Mel Gibson in 1990 and ‘Hamlet’ produced in 1996 starring Kenneth Branagh, both films have similarities as well as differences in the setting, tone, and character’s traits.
In the film ‘Hamlet’ produced in 1990 starring Paul Scofield as the ghost of King Hamlet and Mel Gibson as Prince Hamlet, the story begins with King Hamlet’s funeral. The setting for the introduction of King Hamlet’s ghost starts on the roof of the castle where Horatio explains to Prince Hamlet he has seen his father. Horatio explains this in a calm and detailed manner of how the ghost of King Hamlet appears to them. The environment of this scene is more relaxed and pleasant as young Hamlet joins the three to wait for his father's ghost to appear once again. The ghost of King Hamlet now appears in a sneaky way by entering the scene quietly and reserved standing in the corner of the castle. Hamlet is not afraid of the ghost, and when the ghost begins to walk away like a slithering snake without speaking, Hamlet follows him. The ghost of King Hamlet does not look evil or scary. He looks just as he did at his funeral. The ghost speaks in a humble, calm and sad voice. King Hamlet’s ghost tells the story of his death in a more upsetting and depressed tone. Prince Hamlet is also upset and crying as his father’s ghost explains his tragic death. The ghost of King Hamlet is sympathetic in this film when he requests Prince Hamlet to seek revenge. Before the ghost of King Hamlet exits the scene, he sheds a tear.
Unlike the film produced in 1990, the 1996 film production of ‘Hamlet’ begins with the introduction of King Hamlet’s ghost. This motion picture starring Brian Blessed as the ghost of King Hamlet and Kenneth Branagh as Prince Hamlet has a haunted and chilling environment. The guard is watching the gate by night and is tremendously frightened by another guard. When the guards inform Prince Hamlet that they have seen the ghost of his father, Prince Hamlet’s behavior is excited and intrigued as he listens with great attention wanting to know every detail. As the guards, Horatio and Prince Hamlet are walking by the front gate during the night, which is a different setting from the 1990 film, the giant armored statue of King Hamlet begins to move. The ghost appears and is entirely different from the ghost in the 1990 movie. King Hamlet’s ghost in this production is evil and scary in appearance. Opposite from the 1990 film, the ghost of King Hamlet speaks in a coarse, rough voice. His appearance is that of a giant dressed in armor. When Hamlet sees his father’s ghost, he is horrified but with the similarity of the 1990 film, Hamlet wants to follow him. When the ghost first speaks to Prince Hamlet, he can not be seen only heard. He then appears to Hamlet and speaks again in a demanding voice. He tells Prince Hamlet in an angry tone the story of his death. His voice is stern but in a whispering sound. Unlike the 1990 film, when the ghost exits the scene, the sound effects are enormous. He exits with the ground splitting, smoke rising, and bolts of lightning shooting across the sky. The ghost of King Hamlet is demanding in this film when he request Prince Hamlet to seek revenge.
The 1996 version has the most influence due to the setting, tone and character traits of Prince Hamlet and King Hamlet’s ghost. Each producer has their unique qualities. Regardless of the similarities and differences of ‘Hamlet’ produced in 1990 and 1996, both films portrayed the same story line. Even though the setting, tone and character traits are different, each producer can comply with the story that was written by William Shakespeare.

Works Cited
Hamlet. Dir. Franco Zeffirelli. Prod. Bruce Davey and Dyson Lovell. Perf. Mel Gibson, Glenn Close, Alan Bates and Paul Scofield. Nelson Entertainment, 1990. DVD. William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Dir. Kenneth Branagh. By Kenneth Branagh and Patrick Doyle. Prod. David Barron. Perf. Kenneth Branagh, Julie Christie, and Derek Jacobi. Columbia Pictures, 1996. DVD.

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