Valentine's Day Class Discussion

We watched two renditions of the "to be or not to be" speech.
1) Mel Gibson in Franco Zeffirelli's version: In this version Hamlet said the soliloquoy after he encountered Ophelia and fought with her. This is a complete turn around of the text. Hamlet says it in the crypt looking at graves. In the fight with Ophelia he sees Claudius and polonuis hide and then approaches Ophelia. He does not seem too affectionate towards Ophelia but is enraged when she tries to return the gifts.

2) Branaw version:
All text is completely said and in the correct order. Though the "to be or not to be" soliloquoy is said in front of a two way mirror so Claudius and Polonius hear the whole thing. Then Hamlet sees Ophelia and they are very affectionate, but then Hamlet is very abusive with Ophelia.

Brittany M.