Ghost Scene Versions

In Zeffirelli's version of Hamlet, he used camera angles and certain lighting to emphasize Hamlet and his father's  relationship and also the Ghost's emotions very well. While people questioned the dark lighting in the introduction of the Ghost's speech, I thought of it to symbolize the revelation of the truth behind the King's death. As the story was revealed, the lighting began to illuminate the scene which eventually became a clear image of the Ghost. Also, the camera angles focused on the characters' faces with close ups instead of wide shots, which emphasized the emotion and relationship between the late father and son. Even though the Ghost's full body was not revealed so often, it was obvious enough that the Ghost was not wearing armor, as described in the play. Mel Gibson's portrayal of Hamlet was more emotional than I had imagined when I read the scene. There was anger, frustration and a strong sense of vengeance in his actions and tone after the Ghost Scene. Throughout out the scene, Zeffirelli kept the lighting dark, with gloomy music, and a not so fast, not so slow speed. 

However, in Branagh's version of Hamlet... the Ghost Scene was very active, cutting scenes from the trees, to Hamlet, the ground, to Hamlet, the smoke, to Hamlet etc.The camera angles also captured the setting, from close up of Hamlet to the wide shot of the forest.  It interpreted Hamlet's emotion of confusion and panic. While running through the forest, Hamlet's (Branagh) rant sounded like a musical. The music was more whimsical and fairy tale like, rather than frustration and anger. I thought I was watching a bonus feature from Into The Woods... then it set a Wizard of Oz feel when the Ghost began his few lines in a loud, unseen and dark voice. Branagh used flashback as visual elements, which is the only technique I liked when watching this scene. The flashbacks were more colorful, and bright which interpreted the more "happy" times in the Hamlet palace. Also, it helped me visualize the scene better. Unlike Zeffirelli's focus on the Ghost, you kinda just sit there trying to understand the language. In this version, you can understand the language while pairing up parts of the speech with the flashbacks. I questioned Branagh's emotion when he is receiving his father's revelation, his jaw is dropped pretty much the whole time. After the Ghost Scene, Branagh goes to a calm trance?! Is he angry or in love? 

Taking a different take on Hamlet, Almereyda's version was more modern. The director used props to provide symbolic emphasis to the scene. Such as Hamlet welcoming his late Father by opening the door into his apartment, the seat used as a throne, the television showing explosions, the father dabbing his ear where he was poisoned etc. The relationship between the father and son was more realistic than the other two versions. The Ghost was able to hold Hamlet and even hug him. In the other two versions, the Ghost barely got to hold Hamlet before disappearing. Almereyda's showed a true, real and the close relationship between the father and son. There are no altercations with the lighting at all, Almereyda did not want to hide the Ghost at all. There were more wide shots due to the use of the props in the scene.