In order to discuss Zeffirelli's Hamlet as a film, you should answer the following questions:

1.Which scenes do you notice that are out of order? Which lines of dialogue are in the wrong scene? Note: Refer to the play as you watch the film.

2. What effect is gained by showing Elsinore, the castle, surrounded by the sea, as Zeffirelli does? Shakespeare would not have seen it and may well have had no idea what it really looked like. Kenneth Branagh's version is set at a stately home with the sea nowhere near.

3. What is your opinion of how the director presents the ghost? Do you think it works well on film? Why or why not?

4. Comment on the casting of the major characters, as well as how Gertrude, Claudius, Ophelia and Hamlet are portrayed.

5. . Comment on the technical details such as costumes, use of colour & lighting, and props.

6. What notable character is missing? What effect does this have on the ending? Hint: He reappears at the very end of the play.

7. The final scene of the play is very important. What do you think of the way it is handled?

8. Personal response: What did you like best and least about the film? Additional comments?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1 In Zeffirellis Hamlet there are a few scenes that appear to be out of order compared to the original play by Shakespeare For example in Act 1 Scene 5 the Ghost of Hamlets father appears before Hamle... View the full answer