To be or not to be Shiv

       The to be or not to be speech is one of the most famous speeches in literature and it has been portrayed in movies in several different ways. Each version of the soliloquy has a different setting. The Oliver version has Hamlet sitting at the edge of a cliff as waves crash against the rocks while he contemplates suicide. The director makes it seem as if Hamlet could be ready to jump in at any moment. Also at the beginning of the scene the director plays this ominous music as if something bad is going to take place. It really adds to the mood that the speech creates. In the scene it is very misty, it's hard to see as Hamlet is saying this speech. Also in the middle Hamlet pulls out a dagger and holds it in his hand. I think this inclusion was a good choice because it shows you how serious Hamlet is about this. In the Zeffirelli version Hamlet is shown with a little more emotion. His tone sounds a little angrier than that of the others. Although it starts out soft he seems to get upset as the speech goes on. Also in this version the setting is very important. He tells the speech near a casket to set the mood of death. In this version it is darker than all the other versions.
       In the Branagh version Hamlet in a hallway looking into a mirror while giving the speech. It is bright in this version unlike the others. He is looking into a mirror which Claudius is hiding behind. Throughout the entire speech Hamlet keeps the same tone, a calmer tone than the others. Also in this version similar to the Oliver version he pulls out a dagger and holds it up. Finally, in the Almereyda version Hamlet is in a blockbuster in the action section as he ponders through his thoughts. Throughout it he keeps a calm tone much like the Branagh version. The director uses the televisions as props. As Hamlet walks by a few television screens he sees an explosion and someone getting shot. Also in this version the director uses music to show the intensity of the scene. With every line there is a break in the music to emphasize each statement Hamlet is making.
       After watching all the versions I have to say my favorite is the Oliver version it's also the most effective. It does the best job of blending all the major aspects of the speech. I love the fact that Hamlet is sitting on the edge of a cliff and it would incredibly easy for him to jump over and end his life but he decides not to. Also the ominous music is an excellent touch that the other directors failed to include. I think there so many versions of the play because it is such a well known play and everyone wants to try and put there own personal twist into how it would have actually happened. Each director wants to make his version stand out over the others