"To be or not to be..."

Reflect on each film version of Hamlet's soliloquoy in more depth. Consider also using some of your double-entry journal prompts to guide you.

In each version of the play, what is the setting? What effect does this have? What is the director trying to convey?

Is there any music? What mood does this set?

What choices does the director make about lighting or props? Do these choices reinforce the theme of his speech?

What figurative aspects of the speech are represented literally (if any)? How does the director use these symbols throughout the speech?

What is the emotion with which the actor repeats the lines? How does this change throughout the speech? What effect does this have?

Why are there so many versions of this play? What do you think that says about the universality of Hamlet? Which version of the play did you like the most (do not think of putting Schwarzenegger's)? What about this version was most effective in your opinion?