Hamlet Almereyd

Mark Evans

ID: 297919

maek86@mail.missouri.edu

Progress Evaluation One

Hamlet Film Analysis

THESIS

Michael Almereyda's auteur in the film adaptation of Hamlet's montage mousetrap scene fails to reflect the dramatic implications of the rising action that the original 16th century version capitalizes on. Michael Almereyda's infuses his own auteur in to Hamlet. The characters and mousetrap scene are far different of what is depicted in the original Hamlet. The overall experimental qualities of the movie make Almereyda's vision modern and relatable to the 21st century. As the film gains some interesting and refreshing views of Hamlet in its avant-garde presentation, but does not manage to translate the historic, classic, romantic qualities that make Shakespearian drama timeless. Particularly in the mousetrap scene or play-within-the-play. As the mousetrap begins in the Almereyda version Hamlet (Ethan Hawke) does not seem as serious or astute as portrayed in the Penguin version of the mousetrap. He throws himself over the movie seating and almost seems nonchalant in his body language throughout the scene with Ophelia as he acts childish and immature.

THE MOUSETRAP COMPARISON

As expected a unique interpretation is expressed by Almereyda with the mousetrap, far differing from the traditional classical view of Shakespearian Hamlet. The mousetrap is filled with modern touches that take away from the dramatic effect of the original play. As Almereyda's montage begins he sets the filmic mode for the mousetrap by presenting a blooming rose, which inspires the feeling of anticipation that a substantial act is to take place, which is lacking in the original. Warming the heart of the viewer Almereyda cross-cuts to prototypical Americana with what appears to be 50's or 60's father and son footage, painting the picture of the importance of the relationship that the original fails to accomplish. A panoramic of the planet earth dissolves in order to signify the magnitude of the event. A grainy close-up of a poison bottle is shown flagrantly addressing the controversy between Hamlet and Claudius, differing from the original as the poison is dulled in this version. Hamlet states his mischievous intention to Ophelia and Almereyda utilizes reverse shots to increase the suspense between Claudius and Hamlet. In the original Hamlet and Claudius have had a dialogue to this point, which is lacking in Almereyda's film (3.2.126-127). Hamlet is more overt in the original opposed to Ethan Hawkes depiction.

Almereyda's interpretation of Hamlet although modern and very different keeps key relationships to the original at the core of the film. The mouse Claudius