Editor's Choice

What are the comparisons and contrasts between Branagh's film version of Hamlet and the original text?

Quick answer:

Branagh makes changes from Shakespeare's original text, but these are generally "inventive" and in keeping with the traditional portrayal of the characters. The only exception is Polonius, who is much more cold and cynical than in other versions.

Expert Answers

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Kenneth Branagh's film version of Hamlet is not different than the original Shakespeare play because he utilizes the entire script virtually word-for-word. So it comes down to his interpretation of the characters and story. Those mentioned above are good examples of that, and I would add a few more:

  • The scene where Hamlet meets the Ghost is quite protracted and rather frightening. It is no wonder Hamlet is motivated to do something based on this scene in the movie; the play as written has a much less intense scene.
  • At one point we see Polonius with a woman in his bed before giving Reynaldo instructions to spy on Laertes. This diminishes the impact of his admonitions to both his children to be pious and upright in all their dealings--he does not practice what he preaches.
  • Obviously the setting is much more modern than the original.
  • Gertrude is an interesting character who can be interpreted as a conniving, unfaithful woman who wanted to be with her brother-in-law while she was still married or a woman who was convinced to marry by a conniving brother-in-law. In Branagh's version, she appears to truly care for her son and sees the horror of her choice, implying that she was probably only swayed to marry after her first husband's death.

Obviously there are many ways of interpreting a Shakespearean play, and Branagh's film shows a consistent intensity of emotion from Hamlet, making it a faithful adaptation at its core. 

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