See handwritten notes.
Hamlet Benedict Cumberbatch Adaptation Notes:
Begins with Hamlet saying Barnardo’s line “who’s there” and he
says “stand and unfold yourself” *check which character says this in
the original, Marcellus maybe?
Horatio then comes in, and they have the “methinks I see my father
Horatio… in my mind’s eye” conversation before we see Horatio see
the ghost, and we haven’t met Barnardo or Marcellus.
Modern adaptation in that Hamlet and Horatio are dressed casually
in modern clothes. Hamlet begins to put a record on when he is
called to the dining room to hear Claudius’ speech.
Hamlet is sat at the dining table through Claudius’ speech about
King Hamlet and is visibly upset, while the others sat near him just
carry on listening unaffectedly. Claudius is the only one standing,
which connects to the power and authority that he so desperately
desires.
Claudius and Gertrude are dressed very fancily with feathers and
gold and luxury. Actually, appears more like Hamlet is underdressed
as Ophelia, Polonius and Laertes are dressed similarly.
Hamlet stands up when addressed. He speaks and seems like a
crying teary Hamlet. Actually, becomes an angry Hamlet after
Gertrude asks why it seems so particular with thee. Doesn’t look at
Claudius while he talks of Hamlet’s “unmanly grief”.
Lights go down as Hamlet begins his soliloquy
To be or not to be:
He puts his hand around his throat as if to try to strangle himself.
He cries and we can see the tears running down his face. He seems
like a ‘sad Hamlet’ at this point in time, whereas for many of the
scenes with other characters he has been more of an ‘angry
hamlet’. This does not seem like a hamlet who is mad, but a
perfectly sane Hamlet, who does appear depressed and melancholy.
At the end of the soliloquy we watch him remove what seems to be
a belt or something from around his neck as he decides not to
commit suicide.
He does not move much, but uses lots of pauses in the dialogue and
facial expressions to captivate the audience.
Hamlet Paapa Essidu Adaptation Notes:
The Closet Scene
Hamlet appears dressed in a white suit that has been covered in
colours and appears ruined.
The moment that Hamlet murders Polonius he uses a gun, and it is
presented in a comedic way.