There are three versions of the Ghost scene in Hamlet. Each with unique styles of mood, settings, and interpretations that were implied relating to the scene. There are three different versions of the scene that was played by three different actors. Out of the three versions of the film, the movie that interests me the most is the modernised version played by Ethan Hawke in Almereyda's POV of the book. The way the director modernised a play that was set in Middle Ages and turning it into something we (today's readers) can actually relate to. Since the play was modernised, the lighting was brighter (which I thought was perfect for the time and place settings), the understanding of the lay and transforming it in a creative manner with little or no special effects whatsoever, varied somber/suspenseful music were also applied to set up the scene.
My interpretation of the story Hamlet revolves around pride and power. After the death of his father, Hamlet discovered through his..."confrontation" with his father's spirit that his uncle murdered him to acquire the power that Hamlet's father previously held. Also, because of his death, Hamlet's chances for the throne, or becoming the owner of a billion-dollar hotel, are gone. The main reason why Hamlet wants to kill his step-father is because of his loyalty to the family, and to his father. Although he wants to obey his "father's" orders, his moral and religious beliefs held him off which is why he condemns himself throughout the play/movie.
Even though many people prefers the other versions of the play over the modernised version, I still think that this one stands out for many reasons. One is, as mentioned, the creative way of transforming a play from the past into something we can actually relate to. The second version of Hamlet that was directed and played by Kenneth Branagh is the one that I would least recommend. The acting was somewhat mediocre, nothing that stands out in the movie, and the ghost scene annoys me. I could not grasp my hands why but I would say the way they portrayed the ghost and the way he talks bugged me. One could argue that Zeffirelli"s Hamlet with Mel Gibson is better compared to the third version with many different reasons but the modern-day settings with a Medieval feel of the movie with more emotions and body language involved.
Besides Lion King, I somehow thought of Game of Thrones and The Odyssey as I get the idea of Hamlet more. Anyone else?
