The Ghost Scene

In the first version, the Zeffirelli version, the ghost scene is an emotional moment between father and son. Hamlet looks at his father in disbelief and shock. The setting is extremely dark. You can hear the ghost's low creaky voice on top of the sound of the cold air. When Hamlet's father's ghost tells Hamlet what really happened, both father and son's eyes fill up with tears. The ghost does not appear to be angry, but rather sad and hurt. Hamlet seems irate at the fact that his uncle killed his father, and then proceeded to marry his mother. The scene ends with Hamlet looking down at Cludius, his uncle/step-father.


In the second version, the Branagh version, the ghost scene is ridiculously dramatic. There is background music that is upbeat and fast paced. Hamlet is in the dark, foggy woods and can hear the echoes of creepy, evil sounding whispers of his father's ghost. The ghost seems angry. He appears with evil, cat eyes. The scene is almost "scary". The thing I did like about this version was the flashbacks. The flashbacks are bright, because it was to times when his father was alive.  You get to actually see his death and the pain he was in, which makes the death more visible. Hamlet reaches out to his father, but he disappears. At the end, he is sad, on the floor crying.


The third version, the Almereyda version, is modern. There is no tenderness between the father and son. The setting is brighter than the other two versions. The ghost actually touches Hamlet which I looked at as symbolism, of the effect it had on Hamlet. At one point they circle around the room looking at eachother. I found this relevant to show how Hamlet probably felt, dazed, dizzy and confused.


I thought the "Remember Me" part to be such a meaningful part of the scene. I liked that the best in the Almereyda version. Overall, I liked the Zeffirelli version the best because it was the most realistic in terms of feelings. Hamlet was first in disbelief, then sad, then angry, which I can find relatable.  I didn't like that Hamlet could touch his father's ghost in the third version. the second version to me was just way to dramatic.