Hamlet: Kenneth Branagh vs Mel Gibson
Costumes
Mel Gibson
The costumes are more old fashion, showing that the setting of the movie was during the Medieval times
Hamlet dresses in a black rag type cloth which is partly ripped as he seems like an old fashion prince
Here, Mel Gibson's version of "Hamlet" is much better when dressing their characters as Gibson's version uses old and traditional dresses to portray their characters
Camera Techniques
Kenneth Branagh
Branagh's camera techniques very unique and creative
For instance, in Hamlets famous soliloquy, there were a myriad amount of angle changes throughout the soliloquy making it more enjoyable
This was the best scene from the movie evident to how the characters melancholic expressions complimented the specific camera angles throughout the soliloquy and movie
Kenneth Branagh's version of Hamlet shows better usage of camera angles than Mel Gibsons evident to how angles consistently change throughout scenes, making it more enjoyable
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibsons camera techniques were dull
In Hamlets famous soliloquy, there were no camera movements as the scene was a front camera view throughout the whole soliloquy.
During the famous soliloquy, Mel Gibsons camera angle is a front angle view and does not change till after the scene is complete, making it dull
Editing
Mel Gibson
In Gibson's version, there were many scenes left out from the actually play on his movie
Gibsons version leaves out the many of the minor scenes, thus shorting the plot.
Fortinbras story in Act 4, Scene 4, where he commands the troops of Denmark to attack Poland is cut off from Gibson's version.
making it a crucial scene from the movie as it is considered an element of war
Kenneth Branagh
In Kenneth Branagh version, there were no scene left out, as it included the original version
Kenneth Branagh's version includes every single scene and detail from the film, showing compassion while directing.
In this category, Kenneth Branagh is the winner evident to how he leaves no scene behind
The Portrayal of characters
Mel Gibson
The Portrayal of characters in Mel Gibson's version is not so accurate compared to the text
The protagonist Hamlet rarely illustrates emotion throughout the play as it evident that Hamlet's expression rarely change during the movie
Throughout the movie, Gibson shows hamlet as a crazy person evident to how his actions emphasize his state of absurdity. However, when an important scene occurs, such as the famous soliloquy, Hamlet is shown to be more melancholic than crazy
Act 3, Scene 1, lines 60-90 are an example of Hamlet being sad when speaking about the meaning of life. However, this and a few other scenes are where Hamlet emphasizes sadness in his life otherwise it is shown that Hamlet has gone mentally ill
Kenneth Branagh
The portrayal of characters in Kenneth Branagh's version is very accurate to the original Shakespearean text
Throughout the film, Hamlet is seen illustrating different emotions through different scenes
This makes the movie more interesting as the character emotion compliments the scene
Hamlet is seen expressing his vexation at his uncle Clauduis in Act 4, scene 4 Lines 63-67.
The character portrayal of Hamlet is amazing evident to how his expression of anger is strong as it shows devotion to murder his uncle in order to avenge his father
This here is an example of Hamlets actions and character portrayal from Act 4, Scene 4 where hamlet goes "crazy" when speaking about avenging his beloved fathers death. As seen by the expressions, it is shows that Hamlet is not the same character he was during the beginning of the novel as the melancholic state of his mind made a negative impact on his life.
Kenneth Branagh's version of Hamlet shows better character portrayal as Prince Hamlet is shown: Sad, Crazy, Violent and more, whereas Mel Gibson's version shows limited characteristics.
The lighting and setting
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh's version of Hamlet is set in a castle more of a luxurious modern palace
The difference between the setting shows how modern the Branagh's version of Hamlet is compared to Gibson's version
Is Act 4, Scene 4, line 31 to 34, where Hamlet emphasizes his anger towards Claudius and Gertrude getting remarried the lighting was a flaw in making the scene amusing
“How all occasions do inform against me, And spur my dull revenge! What is a man if his chief good and market of his time be but to sleep and feed? A beast, no more.” (Act 4, scene 4, line 31 to 34)
Here the lighting does not change at all, making the scene less amusing than it should be
There were some scenes where lighting played a major role in emphasizing the scene, but overall lighting in Branagh's version was not the highlight.
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson's version of Hamlet is set in a dark and medieval time castle where all house rooms and items are of old fashion
The difference between the setting shows how old fashion Gibson's version is compared to Branagh's modern version
Is Act 4, Scene 4, line 31 to 34, where Hamlet emphasizes his anger towards Claudius and Gertrude getting remarried
“How all occasions do inform against me, And spur my dull revenge! What is a man if his chief good and market of his time be but to sleep and feed? A beast, no more.” (Act 4, scene 4, line 31 to 34)
In this scene, lighting played a major role in making the scene amusing as it contrasted with a shade of dark, thus highlighting the importance of the scene.
In Gibsons version, lighting was adjust to emphasize scenes of their meanings.
It is quite obvious that Mel Gibson had better lighting usage as it was one purpose of why his film was amusing to watch. The setting was also great as he made an excellent attempt to relate to Shakespearean time.
In conclusion, it is obvious that Kenneth Branagh's version is much better than Mel Gibson's version evident to how it has better camera techniques, editing, and portrayal of character. It is obvious that Kenneth Branagh developed this movie by passion as no scenes were cut off and everything was spot on. For further improvement, it would be better to use different lighting and more traditional costumes. All in all, both versions of "Hamlet" were enjoyable, but Kenneth Branagh's version was much better
winner
Kenneth Branagh
The costumes are more elegant and modern showing that the setting of the movie was recent
Hamlet dresses in a white shirt over a black coat
wearing current formal modern cloths
Branagh's version of "Hamlet" seems to be more modern rather than old fashion