Hamlet: Act 4 Scene 4 (Paolo Juego, 10110489)

For my Engl 311 course, I have watched Kenneth Branagh’s 1996 film of Hamlet and read the play in Robert Miola’s Norton edition.

This edition includes Branagh’s introduction to the play, where he explains his experience of Hamlet at the New Theatre, Oxford.  He not only watched, but experienced ‘something unique.’  Although he did not completely understand the language, he was able to share the emotions of the characters.  Branagh was ‘moved to tears’ and found it ‘as thrilling as a football match.’

In act 4 scene 4 of Branagh’s 1996 Hamlet, Hamlet had just spoken with one of Fortinbras’ captain about their reasons for going into battle/war.  The combination of the background music and the transition form a close up to outward panning shot creates a sense of change in Hamlet.  It feels like he finally has resolve to match his thoughts and is the turning point of the movie.