Zeffirelli's version of Hamlet is more realistic and captures my attention more. He uses dramatic sounds to intensify the situation of the ghost appearance which makes it appears scary. The lighting of the scene allowed me to feel what the characters there felt; fear and discomfort. Upon the Ghost appearance , it was mostly in the shadows as if trying to stay out of sight. As for Branagh's version, the special effects were too much . It had the set up of a low budget horror movie gone wrong. Branagh should have removed some of the smoke as it was too much to the scene. The fact that the ghost had contacts in and dyed his hair to fit the Danish role was excellent. Great lighting and great use of making the Amour visible. Finally Almereyda 's version could have use major work. It had the effects of a Lifetime Movie. The dad did not return in an armor but a jacket instead. The lighting gave no room for the audience to be scared. There was a lot of room for special effects besides just dramatic sound. The version of the scene was created as if the director had no idea about what happened in Hamlet. It does not even have the setting of the time period was set in but that of a 2002 drama based movie.
If I had to create this scene I would have the lighting set as if it was in that time period , I would make sure the armor is present and I would make sure the clothing are as close to the time period as possible. My focus would be on how the ghost's demeanor was during its visit and also the son's reaction making it emotional. I would definitely use the dramatic sound and when the ghost would talk he would have a fainted voice of someone who is not there. I would also try to find the best of the best actors to act out the novel. When the scene is over I want my audience to feel as if they were apart of the scene. I would also like them to leave with the thought that Hamlet is intriguing book and should be looked into. I refuse to allow my audience to leave and say that it was just another version and be easily dismissed.
