2. Act V Scene I-Kevin Kline
A made for TV production which
was broadcast on PBS in 1990,
Kevin Kline acted in and directed
Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet. The
above clip is from the grave diggers’
scene and it offers seriousness mixed
with a comic element.
3. Act I Scene IV-Laurence Olivier
In Act 1 Scene 4 of Hamlet starring Laurence
Olivier, the setting reveals a dark, cloudy
night. The scene opens with the roiling dark
sea, with Hamlet, Horatio, and two soldiers
atop a lookout post high above the sea. The
prevailing image is darkness. The time is just
before midnight. Then loud trumpets sound,
revelry and happy music break in suddenly,
contrasting with the solemn and ominous
scene.
4. Act II Scene II- David Tennant
A troupe of players arrives at Elsinore and
Hamlet receives them by asking one of them to
perform a speech about the demise of Troy and
the deaths of King Priam and Hecuba. Hamlet is
pleased with the speech and orders Polonius to
escort them to guest chambers. After meeting
with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet is
now alone in the room. He curses himself and
wonders how an actor could force his soul to
show feelings in a world of make believe.
5. Act III Scene I-Kenneth Branagh
The scene opens with Kenneth Branagh as Hamlet staring
into a mirror. Branagh begins delivering the ever so
popular soliloquy. He slowly moves toward the mirror,
speaking in a monotone fashion. In the beginning there is
no music, no other sound, nothing to distract viewers.
Hamlet is both calm and serious. He feels sadness, anger,
and defeat. His world as he previously knew it, no longer
exists. The anger Hamlet feels toward Claudius is
apparent. In this scene, one may ascertain that Hamlet is
contemplating whether or not to challenge Claudius.
Hamlet seems confused, uncertain, and maybe even
unstable
6. References
Blog
http://becheartsyarn.wordpress.com/2012/01/0
8/critiqueing-william-shakespeares-hamlet-
performances/
Editor's Notes
Critiquing William Shakespeare’s Hamlet PerformancesUniversity of Phoenix Learning Team Project Team B: Rebecca Hageman, Jennie Scherf, Lisa Sidley, Audrey TarverEach team member selected a clip from a major production of Hamlet. The selected clips are: from Lisa Sidley; Act V Scene I featuring Kevin Kline as Hamlet, from Jennie Scherf; Act I Scene IV featuring Laurence Olivier as Hamlet, from Rebecca Hageman; Act II Scene II featuring David Tennant as Hamlet, and from Audrey Tarver; Act III Scene I featuring Kenneth Branagh as Hamlet. A review of each of these performances was posted on the following blog:http://becheartsyarn.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/critiqueing-william-shakespeares-hamlet-performances/
Lisa Sidley-Watching clips from four different productions of the same play was an interesting and enlightening experience. Reading reviews from the other team members offered a broad perspective of interpretation. The back and forth commentary was effortless and fun. Each team member brought personality and their own Shakespearean experience to the group. The blog, organized for posting the reviews, was a first time experience for some and it was amazing to see its transformation from beginning to end.
Jennie Scherf- Comparing four of the many different versions of Hamlet was an enjoyable and eye-opening experience. Reviewing each scene personally and comparing my interpretations with those of my team members was a good way to understand the original play, and what ideas Shakespeare may have been trying to get across to his audiences. Viewing several versions allowed me to understand differing perspectives and question my own interpretations of the original drama.
Rebecca Hageman-Each production reimagined Hamlet in various venues and eras. Our team members each chose masterpieces in their own right. I found the whole experience of week three’s assignment challenging yet entertaining. This was the first team project at University of Phoenix in which team members included everyone, frequently communicating about the project and life, and most of all, encouraging one another!
Audrey Tarver- Kenneth Branagh’s dual duty in this Shakespearean production of Hamlet as both director and lead actor were very interesting. Kevin Kline and Laurence Olivier were outstanding in their performances as well. The impressions of the various members of Learning Team B gave way to healthy debates regarding the talents of the various actors who graced the screen to take on this most challenging role. This project allowed members to critique acting styles, discuss changes in scenes from production to production, and pin point how all the productions captured the essence of William Shakespeare’s creativity.
