In his lifespan William Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets. However, there is one play by William Shakespeare that is considered special by many people. It is his longest and most complex play. "Hamlet" is a play that still is very much read and performed. Additionally it was made into feature films many times and still seems to entertain audiences around the world.
There are other plays that seem to 'return' every couple years, when they are made into a movie or are once again performed on stage, but somehow people seem to react to "Hamlet" in a special way. These reactions raise the thought that the whole play seems to have something timeless and special about it.
In this text, the author takes a look at three different interpretations of the play that were done on film: the "Hamlet" of 1990, of 1996 and of 2000 and compares the similarities and differences of these depictions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. A look at the Topic
- 1. William Shakespeare's Hamlet
- 2. What is Hamlet about?
- 3. Different views and interpretations
- 4. Thesis
- 5. Which Hamlet do we read?
- II. Movie versions of Hamlet
- 1. Variations and Key Scenes
- 2. Hamlet (1990)
- 3. Hamlet (1996)
- 4. Hamlet (2000)
- 5. Detailed examination
- 6. Court scene
- 7. 'Mousetrap'
- III. Conclusion
- 1. Shakespeare's Hamlet as a movie
- 2. A movie and his time
- 3. Conclusion of the Analysis
- IV. Appendix
- 1. Literature used
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the various interpretations and adaptations of Shakespeare's Hamlet in film, focusing on three specific movie versions. It will examine how different directors and actors have interpreted the play's central themes and characters, and how these interpretations reflect the social and cultural context of their respective times.
- The enduring relevance and power of Shakespeare's Hamlet in modern society.
- The different ways in which Hamlet has been interpreted and adapted for film.
- The role of film in shaping our understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare's work.
- The impact of social and cultural context on the interpretation and reception of Hamlet.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter provides an overview of William Shakespeare's Hamlet and its enduring relevance. It delves into the play's central themes and explores various interpretations throughout history. This chapter also investigates the specific elements that make Hamlet a timeless and compelling work, sparking discussions and generating diverse viewpoints. The second chapter delves into various movie versions of Hamlet, exploring their interpretations of key scenes and characters, as well as how these interpretations reflect the social and cultural context of their respective times. The chapter will then focus on three specific adaptations: the 1990 version, the 1996 version, and the 2000 version.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The core focus of this paper rests on themes of interpretation, adaptation, and the enduring influence of Shakespeare's Hamlet in film. The discussion encompasses key concepts like the exploration of various movie versions, their respective interpretations of key scenes and characters, and how these interpretations relate to the social and cultural context of their creation. The analysis delves into the unique dynamics and complexities of Shakespeare's work, highlighting the reasons for its enduring relevance in contemporary society.
- Quote paper
- Niklas Bastian (Author), 2009, "Hamlet" on Film. Different Views and Interpretations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/338813
