Words, Words, Words

"There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" Hamlet, 2.2

A dictator can justify mass genocide by saying that he is making the world a better place and a terrorist can justify bombings by saying that it is god's will. At the same, a soldier who has lost both his legs can motivate himself to move on in life by thanking God that he isn't dead and a hurricane victim can learn to start over by being grateful for the things that he or she still has. A person's thoughts are their most powerful weapons and it can either make or break them. An optimist is able to overcome adversity by looking at the glass half full and finding something worth living for while someone like Hamlet, a pessimist, can fall into a suicidal depression by only focusing on the corruption of the world and not being thankful for the things he already has, the love of the public, the love of Ophelia, etc. This quote always reminds me that I am in control of my own life because I am always in control of my own outlook on a situation. I can be the optimist and push myself to move on in the face of adversity or I can tell myself that its not worth it and give up. In either case, it is up to me and I feel as though Shakespeare has summarized this belief into a quote that is worth living by.

Something is Rotten in the State of BHS

My favorite version of Hamlet was the Franco Zeffirelli version with Mel Gibson. I found that this version definitely created a more ominous feeling of suspense that the other versions lacked. I was immediately drawn in from the very beginning by the eerie background music and scenery. This version also did a much better job with manipulating the lighting of rooms and transitioning from one camera angle to another. During the burial scene, the gold worn born by both Claudius and Gertrude highlights their corruption and possible happiness with the death of Hamlet Sr. Their facials expression also builds up the idea that Claudius and Gertrude could have planned his death from the beginning. All the while, Hamlet can be seen dressed in dark clothes and hidden in the shadows. 

Later on, we see the light from the sun wash over Hamlet the minute Claudius and Gertrude step into the room, highlighting his pun of "I am too much in the sun". Also, Mel Gibson's voice and tone during these first few scenes does a great job of portraying Hamlet's depression. 

Franco Zeffirelli also does a terrific job of playing up the idea of sexual tension between Hamlet and Gertrude. The way he has Gertrude kissing Hamlet after Claudius leaves the room, and the way he has Hamlet watching over Gertrude while performing his first soliloquy, all help show that there is a sexual attraction between the two of them. Also in this version, Hamlet's depression is much more associated with sorrow rather than anger. This helps show that Hamlet's sadness stems from the heartbreak he feels from Gertrude's hasty marriage to Claudius. All these different elements and subtle nuances in the movie help make it stand out among the other versions.