Movie Comparison of Hamlet Actors
... strolled into a video store. Even Kenneth Branagh’s recitation of the “To be” soliloquy in front of a two-way mirror with Claudius, Polonius, and Ophelia as witnesses does not encompass as many intimate connotations as Mel Gibson’s performance in the burial chambers. By creating gestures that add to his character’s portrayal, Mel Gibson best portrays Hamlet’s emotions. Gibson closes his eyes at “Death to be wished” to show his emotion and how he may look while at rest. He constantly walks around the crypt, kneeling and leaning against the tomb of his father. Gibson frequently shakes his head, and uses his hands to explain his feelings with his body. By producing a range of emotions, Gibson starts his speech pensively and becomes angry and depressed. Through his gestures, Gibson shows the torture that Hamlet experiences while trying to contemplate his thoughts. Other actors cannot compare with Gibson’s motions. Kenneth Branagh and Lawrence Olivier simply moved daggers and emphasized sparse words sharply in an attempt to explain their innermost emotions. Ethan Hawke eyes violent videos at significant lines. However, none of these actors include the range of emotions and feelings that Gibson portrays in his rendition. When Gibson speaks the soliloquy, he infuses his voice with emotion and passion. He begins by thinking introspectively, and then he builds up to become a passionate, troubled, and angry man. Gibson uses the fervent tone in his voice and the use of different intensities to elicit his deep emotions. The other actors were unable to portray Hamlet’s emotions and personal struggles to Gibson’s perfection. Kenneth B...