Riebling Shakespeare In The Movies Short Paper Assignment

Rieblingshakespeare In The Moviesshort Paper Assignment

Write a well-developed and tightly focused essay answering one of the following questions. Be sure to use lots of specific supporting details (quotes from the plays, descriptions of scenes, etc. from the films). Organize the essay defending a thesis statement that is clearly stated in your introductory paragraph; underline your thesis statement. The development paragraphs should relate directly to your argument; they should be unified, coherent, and specific. Do not write a concluding paragraph.

1. Each play we read poses challenges of interpretation that may be addressed in performance (in this case film). For instance, is a particular character evil or simply impulsive? Is one character attracted to another? Is a particular event dictated by fate, chance, or bad choices? Do not feel obliged to limit yourself to these particular questions; feel free to generate your own. In your essay make sure to take a stand on whether or not you agree with the filmmaker’s interpretive decisions.

2. In both literary texts and films, important themes are often reflected in patterns of imagery or motifs. Examining the texts and their film versions, select a pattern, relate it to a theme, and compare its treatment between the two media. Among the patterns you might choose are: light, dark, sacred, profane, fire, water, clothing, animals, etc. Feel free to choose patterns that are not listed, or to combine them as pairs.

Paper For Above instruction

William Shakespeare's plays have been extensively adapted into films, providing unique opportunities to explore interpretive choices and thematic patterns across different media. This essay examines the interpretive decisions made in Kenneth Branagh's 1996 film adaptation of "Hamlet" and how these choices influence viewers' understanding of character motives and the play’s themes. The focus will be on the portrayal of Hamlet's impulsivity versus calculated action, and whether the filmmaker emphasizes fate or free will. The film's depiction of Hamlet as a contemplative yet impulsive figure suggests that Branagh aligns with an interpretation that emphasizes personal agency over fatalism. This interpretation is supported through scenes where Hamlet's erratic behavior, such as the play within a play, reveals his internal struggles and decisiveness, contrasting with traditional portrayals of Hamlet as solely contemplative.

The film also makes deliberate choices in visual motifs, particularly in the recurring use of water imagery, which serves to underscore the theme of uncertainty and emotional turbulence. The frequent shots of the castle surrounded by the sea evoke the isolating and unpredictable nature of Hamlet's environment. Branagh’s use of water as a motif aligns with the theme of fluidity in identity and fate, suggesting that human actions are subject to uncontrollable forces—yet, Hamlet ultimately exercises agency in seeking revenge. These motifs highlight how the film visually reinforces the interpretive stance that Hamlet’s fate is shaped by both external chaos and internal resolve.

In contrast, adaptations like Franco Zeffirelli’s 1990 "Hamlet" tend to focus on the tragic inevitability and fatalism in the play, portraying Hamlet as overwhelmed by destiny. Zeffirelli’s use of darker lighting and more somber visuals emphasizes the notion that certain events are dictated by fate and unavoidable. Such visual and interpretive choices influence the audience’s perception of Hamlet as a victim of circumstance rather than a deliberate agent. This comparison reveals how different filmmakers’ interpretive decisions about character and motif can significantly alter the thematic focus and emotional impact of the story.

Overall, Branagh’s film demonstrates a deliberate effort to depict Hamlet as a person caught between internal deliberation and external chaos, emphasizing personal agency. His interpretive decisions, including the use of water imagery and nuanced characterization, challenge the view of Hamlet as merely a tragic victim of fate. Instead, the film underscores that human action, even amid chaos, can shape destiny—a perspective that aligns with the interpretive choice to portray Hamlet as an impulsive yet ultimately self-determined character. Such filmic choices deepen our understanding of the play's complex themes, illustrating how adaptation can serve as a powerful lens for interpretation and thematic exploration.

References

• Branagh, K. (Director). (1996). Hamlet [Film]. Columbia Pictures.
• Zeffirelli, F. (Director). (1990). Hamlet [Film]. Paramount Pictures.
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