Hamlet's Dilemma

I think it was a smart decision of Hamlet to not kill Claudius. Claudius was in the middle of praying for fogiveness. For Hamlet to have killed Claudius in the middle of this act he would have definitely been sent straight to hell while Claudius went to heaven. It was better for him to wait for better timing. Plus, killing someone with a sword is an easy way to get caught. Poisoning him would be an easy get away and would give Claudius his justice.

"To be or not to be"

  Ziffirelli's version of the speech is very real and human. It seems to come right from Hamlet, not acted out or forced. The lack of music helped to let Gibson set his own mood with his voice and body language. The lack of music actually helped this version. The setting itself was good too. The lighting was perfect.
  Brangah's version was much more forced. The speech didn't just role off Hamlet. You could tell there was a lot more acting being put into this. This one had no music, but probably could have used music to help carry along the speech. The setting also throws off this verison. He's angry, but the lighting is bright. Bright usually gives off a sense of happiness, so this throws off the whole scene. Also the text was changed so different there as well.
  Oliver's version was in black and white which isn't something that easily kept my attention because I'm not used to watching black and white. It did a really good job at showing how deeply he considered whether or not he should live. There was also a good use of props with the dagger.
   The last version of Hamlet did a good job of showing Hamlet's actual age. Hamlet is supposed to be a late teenager/young adult. None of the other versions really show that well. It was extremely modern with him being in blockbuster which I found  to be very interesting. The fact that he is not actually talking out loud and it is just in his mind was very different approach.

The Ghost Scene

   Each version of Hamlet is portrayed differently and it is easily seen in the ghost scene. All three get the point of the scene across but in different ways. In the Branagh verison there is a lot of emotion brought together by the characters and the settings. His style for the setting was an old style, almost like a fairytale with castles and the characters dress in big dresses and old time clothing.
  Ziffirelli uses a classical approach. The ballroom as a setting gives off a much different feel than the castles of Brangah's version. Ziffirelli uses special effects such as smoke and changes in lighting. It can the movie a very dramatic appearance.
  The version with Ethan Hawke had a much more modern feel to it. This version came off a little odd though because the old english was still being spoken, but the entire play was with a modern day setting and feel.

Ophelia's Eulogy

  Ophelia did a lot of suffering during the end of her life. She lost her father and her brother. She also lost her first love. She loved Hamlet and to not receive that in full return can take a toll on anyone. While many may think Ophelia was mad and crazy, I believe she was simply human. Often manipulated and told to what to do or how to live, Ophelia never got to make her own decisions or live how she wanted. This could absolutely lead to someone's madness.
  Ophelia is now in a happier place where she can be free to live as she pleases. I don't believe we should remember Ophelia for her crazed and mad state, but for her strength to live through all she has. Ophelia was a beautiful young lady. She is in a much better and simpler place now. We love you Ophelia.