Act 1 Scene 2 Film Study

As we viewed the different films that showed the same scene, I was noticing the differences between the mother's attitude, voice, and stage presence toward Hamlet. In Olivier's version of the film, the mother seemed very loving when speaking directly to Hamlet, yet while speaking in accordance with Claudius, she became very hostile. In Jacobi's film, Gertrude seems almost flirtatious and manipulative with Hamlet when she asks him to stay. In Gibson's film, Gertrude speaks to Hamlet in a whispering and pleading tone, but she has sincerity when she speaks. One thing that seems to be common between both Olivier and Gibson's interpretations of the film is that Gertrude kisses Hamlet passionately for a long period of time. The Oedipal complex is very clear in these moments. However, in Jacobi's interpretation, Gertrude kisses Claudius. She gives Hamlet a slight touch on the shoulder, and is continually touching Claudius. By looking at all three films side by side, we can see how the relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude affects Claudius when he speaks.