In the Zeffirelli version,
the lighting is dark and it sets a mysterious atmosphere. Gibson’s portrayal of
Hamlet when he learns what the ghost is trying to tell him is filled with angst,
and when he sees his uncle he is disgusted and enraged. After the initial fear,
the interaction between Hamlet and his father’s ghost feels like that of a
father son who were very close. The camera is focused on their faces the whole
time rather than the background and we can see their reactions as they speak to
one another. There is minimal use of lighting or music, it is very dark and
organic.
On the other hand, the Branagh
version was a lot brighter and fast paced. The ghost was more visible and the
way he interacted with Hamlet was a little more aggressive. While Hamlet is
running we see a lot of flashbacks moving rapidly giving off a panicky feeling.
Hamlet is saddened after speaking with the ghost of his father in Branagh’s
portrayal of Hamlet. We are able to see the king sleeping in the orchard when
his brother poisons him. The director focuses a lot more on the story being
told rather than the interaction between hamlet and his father’s ghost.
Almereyda’s take on the
ghost scene is a lot more modern. The setting makes everything seem calm on the
outside but smaller details like the chaotic scene on the television and the chair
being a throne. Hamlet’s father’s ghost appears very human in the way he’s
dressed and his mannerisms and he isn’t hidden by dark lighting. Hawke’s hamlet
never seems to get over the shock and fear of seeing his father’s ghost in this
version. In the other versions the ghost never really gets too close but in
this one he hugs him without any complications. The director uses more subtle
clues to hint at what is going on, like the ghost gently dabbing his ear where
he was poisoned.
