Essay on "Directors Presentation of the Ghost in Three 3 Films of Hamlet"

/>Doran's portrayal of the scene involving Hamlet meeting his father's ghost takes on a more modern attitude. While low key lighting also dominates most of this scene, Doran displays the ghost in a more angelic way by using rear lighting with the purpose of shaping his appearance. The fact that the scene uses a low angle also contributes to emphasizing the ghost importance, and, particularly, its power. Hamlet is portrayed from a high angle perspective, this most probably being meant to highlight the fact that he is still a weak and somewhat powerless individual, especially when considering that he is confronted by his father -- a more dominant figure and the individual whom Hamlet associates with the idea of power in general. This is actually a significant trait when considering Doran's version of Hamlet in general, the director concentrated on emphasizing the contrast between two characters by having one appear to be much stronger than the other (Cartmell).

Doran's focus on displaying the contrast between Hamlet and his father's ghost is generally obvious as a result of the fact that he uses light as a main tool to shape the personality of each of the characters. Hamlet's character in this scene is displayed through slow falloff lighting, as the director wanted this individual to seem less authoritative at this point in the motion picture. In contrast, his father's ghost is generally shown in fast falloff lighting, given that he is meant to put across a dramatic and commanding air. Smoke used throughout this scene is also meant to add suspense and to influence viewers to understand that they are witnessing an event that is supernatural.

Branagh's representation of the ghost scene also displays the spirit from a low angle perspective, as the director wanted viewers to comprehend that this is an especially powerful entity, regardless of the fact that it is no longer alive. Branagh employs a technique similar to Doran's when considering that Hamlet is shown from a high angle perspective, as it would be pointless to even try to compare the two characters. Hamlet is still a prince and has not yet reached a position where he can be compared with his father. Smoke is also shown through this scene as… READ MORE