Reference no: EM133678645
Does the actor think he is alone or not? How do you know?
Many actors describe acting this soliloquy based on one idea: is Hamlet alone or does Hamlet know that Claudius and Polonius are in the room? In other words, is Hamlet speaking his thoughts to himself or for the benefit of Claudius and Polonius. If Hamlet is alone, then he is trying to decide if he wants to live and avenge his father or not. If Hamlet is saying this speech knowing that Claudius is watching, then he is telling the king that he is about to act impulsively, violently and by the end of the speech, that he is motivated to see this fight for revenge to the very end.
Hamlet appears to be looking for something and his eyes rest on a mirror, which has a set of hinges on it like a door. The mirror is a symbol for Hamlet looking inside himself. This director (also Kenneth Branagh) chose to have Claudius and Polonius watch Hamlet's speech through a two-way mirror. So the answer to this question isn't whether Hamlet believes that his is being listened to and watched, but that the audience know that he is. (00:00:17)
How is the knife revealed?
Hamlet reveals his knife just at the point when he has said, to both his reflection and the men hiding behind it, who could ever suffer through this life when it's so easy to take your own life? (00:02:00)
How are music and sound effects used?
There is no music, only the echo of Hamlet's voice and footsteps; this focuses the viewers attentions to the words and reinforces the seriousness of moment.
How does movement affect your interpretation?
Branagh is very conservative with his movements...speaking into a mirror, speaking to his reflection is very powerful; the camera moves closer and closer focusing more and more on the daggar and what Hamlet might do with it. 00:2:36
How does each interpretation change or add to your understanding of Hamlet's choices and actions during and after this speech?
Hamlet says it is fear of the unknown in the afterlife that keeps us living. At this point Hamlet looks down and then back at his reflection and lays his dagger next to his cheek. He seems resigned to the fact that he must go on living and seeking justice rather than giving up. He has made his choice to live, rather than to die. At this point, the play has reached the peripeteia, or turning point. Hamlet has made a decision as the play works its way to the inevitable conclusion.
Does the actor think he is alone or not? How do you know?
How is the knife revealed?
How are music and sound effects used?
How does movement affect your interpretation?
How does each interpretation change or add to your understanding of Hamlet's choices and actions during and after this speech?