Hamlet: The First Ghost Scene

          In Hamlet, written by Shakespeare, an important encounter occurrs between Hamlet and the ghost of his dead father, King Hamlet. The reason for this encounter is for Hamlet to seek revenge of his father's death. We learn that Hamlet's uncle, Claudius killed his own brother by pouring poison into his ear while he was resting. In each of the three versions we watched during class, there are differences in their interpretation of Shakespeare's novel. Although each version has the same conversation between the characters there are differences in their setting. In Zeffirelli's version of Hamlet, King Hamlet's ghost can not be seen wearing amor as stated in the novel. The ghost also speaks to his son in a sadly manner with much remorse of what happened to him. Their setting is different compared to the other versions as well because they speak in the keep of the castle. The ghost roams the castle differently to the other movies.
          In the second version of Hamlet directed by Branagh their encounter is taken place in the woods after Hamlet is dragged by the ghost. In this version there are more special effects and a more frightening setting. The ghost of King Hamlet can actually be seen dressed in armor. The ghost talks in a more determined voice and serious. In this second version they show a flashback of how King Hamlet was poisoned through his ear by his brother.
           In the third version of the ghost scene, it is very modern. It takes place in modern times in a skyscraper. The actor portraying Hamlet is younger and at the time he is in a room. The encounter with the ghost begins when his father is standing outside in the balcony. He is not wearing any type of armor but he is fully dressed in black. The ghost is carrying a hankerchief and at one point he puts it against Hamlet's ear.