Ghost

Question 1

Zeffirelli (1990) Hamlet = Mel Gibson

- beginning scene

Answer 1

omits beginning scene of Horatio and ghost, starts with funeral of old Hamlet

Question 2

Zeffirelli (1990) Hamlet = Mel Gibson

- first scene of ghost

Answer 2

Scene of Ghost and Hamlet comes just after a royal feast - Hamlet for the first time acts
irrational when wishing to follow and speak to the ghost;
- threatens Horatio and guards with
drawn sword when they try to prevent him;
-audience empathises with Hamlet and old Hamlet

Question 3

Zeffirelli (1990) Hamlet = Mel Gibson

- ghost in bedroom scene

Answer 3

old Hamlet ghost appears after Hamlet and Gertrude kiss (v sexualised- amplified oedipal complex and incestuous actions)

Question 4

Maxine Peake - Hamlet

- first ghost scene: setting

Answer 4

• when Ghost appears, camera shot angle swivels around to portray presence of ghost - And flashing lights - not a physical appearance of ghost at this point
• when ghost about to speak, little lights around auditorium flash and Hamlet spreads arms and walks around (like possessed?!)
• as ghost speaks to Hamlet, low hanging lights slowly flash dark yellow hue

Question 5

Maxine Peake - Hamlet

- first ghost scene

Answer 5

• Horatio attempts to stop her from going towards it & Hamlet takes and points gun at Horatio when he tries stop her
• Ghost of Old Hamlet = same actor that plays Claudius (John Shrapnel);
• Old Hamlet ghost kneels before Hamlet and reaches towards him - v emotional and angry speech, not portrayal of authority over Hamlet unlike other adaptations;
• Hamlet holds ghost as he wails “most horrible”

Question 6

Branagh - first ghost scene

Answer 6

• Hamlet threatens Horatio with sword
• hamlet runs through woods and fire and smoke whilst speaking frantically when running towards ghost
• lying in ‘unweeded garden’ after speaking to ghost