I prefer the Mel Gibson version best. Though his version differs slightly from the original text, he still shows so much emotion and it really portrays Hamlet’s depression well. I also liked how they set it in his fathers tomb. It shows a good contrast between being alive and being dead and shows how Hamlet is walking the line between suicide and living.
Sena N - 5 years ago
I prefer the Branagh version of “to be or not to be” because he stays with the original literature but also adds his own twists to it. In the Branagh version, you can see that there might have been a large chance that Hamlet had done some things the reader had suspected already.
Hadiya Qazi - 5 years ago
Hadiya Qazi-
My favourite of the interpretations of "To Be or Not To Be" was the Mel Gibson version. While it slightly differs to the book in setting, I think this choice had a more profound impact than the setting of the book. Hamlet is debating death, debating life, debating whether he could go through with his plan. To have him in a setting associated with despair in death is thus perfect. The addition of his dead father adds to his dilemma and tragic flaw of overthinking: he does not want to disappoint his father, and yet does not want to continue on. Mel did a great job portraying the different feelings and level of emotion that Hamlet is feeling in that moment.
While I respect both Branagh and Tennant, I believe their interpretations were lacking. Tennant had the setting and mood right, with dark and ominous vibes, but his delivery seemed not as natural and brooding. Branagh's was cool to see reflecting himself but personally would like to believe that Hamlet would not stand and observe himself in the mirror; it just seems out of character.
As for the fourth one, its modern setting and delivery did not do it for me.
Casey K - 5 years ago
I like the Mel Gibson portrayal the best because I feel like he was the best at truly displaying his emotions. In the struggle to choose between life and death you can see Hamlet's contemplation tearing him apart. In the Mel Gibson version the roller coaster of emotions Hamlet is on is truly displayed by his actions when he crumbles to the floor, or when he jumps up because he has thought of something else. Also, I like the scenery of the Mel Gibson version the best because it really sets the scene for what he is debating about.
Jonathan Y. - 5 years ago
Jonathan Y. Period 2 - I liked the Kenneth Branagh version. It makes use of the changed time setting, so Hamlet can talk to himself in the mirror. He pulls out a knife, pointing it at the mirror, and to extension, himself. This makes the audience question his craziness, while having a subtle undertone of his depression and wish to kill himself.
Darien E - 5 years ago
I preferred the Mel Gibson version of “To he or not to be” because I think it accurately showed how confused Hamlet is when he is rambling. I also like this version because of the spooky setting inside with little light.
Period 2
Kezia M (period3) - 5 years ago
I enjoyed Mel Gibson's clip of "To Be or Not To Be" the most. I thought it was the one that was best performed because you can see the pain and sadness behind his face and voice. I also liked its set better than the others. Kenneth Branagh portrayed Hamlet more mad than depressed in this scene and that was not how I unvisioned the scene while reading the play. The other two performances didn't show much emotion/passion.
Michael H. (period 3) - 5 years ago
I enjoyed the Kenneth Branagh version of "To be, or not to be" because it was the most realistic according to the play. Additionally, the use of the mirror in the video really suggested the internal struggle that Hamlet was facing during the play. Also, the use of the knife in the video showed how serious he is about killing himself.
Mia P. (period 2) - 5 years ago
I enjoyed the Mel Gibson portrayal of Hamlet because of the whispery tone he utilized to show Hamlet's despair. The eerie setting and his facial expressions during the scene made me feel as though his suicidal thoughts and depression were real.
Adith V - 5 years ago
I liked the Branagh version of "To Be, or Not to Be" because he acted very serious which is quite different that when Branagh normally portrays Hamlet. Also the mirror was very creative because he was having a conversation with himself. The fact the Polonius and Claudius could hear what he said also added to the drama.
Katie G - 5 years ago
I liked the Mel Gibson version of the speech best because he portrayed Hamlet's emotions a lot better than the others. You could clearly tell how he was feeling, and he also drew me in more. The way he gave his speech kept my attention, but the other actors sort of lost my attention after a bit.
Caleb G. (per 3) - 5 years ago
I preferred the Kenneth Branagh version of the "To Be, or Not to Be" speech. I thought that the use of the mirror was very clever and creative, as it represents Hamlet having a conversation with himself. I also believe that Branagh shows the most emotion during the speech, and the use of the knife adds more suspense to it.
Scarlett Ottley - 5 years ago
In my opinion, Mel Gibson's version was the best because it captured Hamlet actually thinking about the pros and cons of death as well as just Hamlet's depression rather than one or the other.
Julia F (period 3) - 5 years ago
I like Branagh's version better because it shows Hamlet looking into a mirror as if he were speaking directly to himself. It portrays that he is questioning life and his existence. In this version, he seems more angry and mad than depressed. This makes the scene more interesting because the other versions were very sad and slow moving, but this one is more intense. He even pulls out a sword and points it towards himself in the mirror, which adds to the intensity and the dark mood.
Sorcha Hayes - 5 years ago
I preferred the Mel Gibson version because of how he portrayed Hamlet. In the way he spoke I could tell how depressed he was and how he was seriously contemplating suicide. I also like how it took place where his father was buried because it gave a very eerie feeling. I enjoyed watching this version because this is how I had envisioned this scene to play out in my head.
Richard Ryab - 5 years ago
I liked the Mel Gibson version the best because of the actors portrayal of Hamlet. Mel Gibson makes it seem like he really is depressed. Also, the fact that it takes place in the chamber that his father is buried it really adds to the emotional factor.
Neve H. Period 2 - 5 years ago
I like the Mel Gibson version of "To Be, or Not to Be" because of the way he portrayed Hamlet's emotions. The look in Hamlet's eyes and the rising of his voice showed the Hamlet was depressed, sad and a little crazy. Also by having a soliloquy in the chamber where his father was buried was a clever choice considering Hamlet still needs to seek revenge for his father's death, which is adding to his troubles.
Dylan Mc (Per. 2) - 5 years ago
I enjoyed the Kenneth Branagh version the most becuase it really portrayed Hamlet's internal stuggles and tragic flaw. By having him examine himself in the mirror, it shows how he is deeply distressed and is always overthinking things. I also likes it because it showed his deep depression, and stayed most true to the original play.
Zoë F - 5 years ago
I like David Tennant's version of "To Be, or Not to Be" the best because it portrays the depression and confusion I imagine Hamlet having.
Noah King - 5 years ago
I personally liked both Kenneth Branagh and David Tennant's performances the most, but David Tennant's "To Be or Not To Be" was so intimate and well delivered that it really caught my attention. His choice of using a soft and somber context to the speech really resonated with the character. He aslo didn't try to make Hamlet and admirable person but someone you can relate to.
Hannah L. - 5 years ago
I enjoyed the Mel Gibson version of the soliloquy more than the other three. I appreciate Zeffirelli's choice to set the speech in the location in which Hamlet's father was buried, because he was surrounded by death the whole time. The eerie atmosphere made the speech more interesting to watch, and it really emphasized the suicidal aspect of the speech. However, I think that Branagh's version remained truer to how the play was meant to be read. I liked that Branagh chose to pull out a dagger during his speech, as it created suspense and made me want to keep watching. In my opinion, Gibson's version was more enjoyable for the viewer, but Branagh's version was more similar to how I imagined the scene while we were reading it.
Connor H - 5 years ago
I liked Ethan Hawke's version the best because when they decided to use a Blockbuster, I liked the metaphor of having Hamlet walk up and down the aisles for action movies because in the play, Hamlet is contemplating whether or not to take action against his uncle, to kill himself or to do nothing at all.
Sarah T. - 5 years ago
I liked the David Tennant's interpretation of "To Be or Not To Be," because he creates a mood of sadness portrays a strong, dejected feeling that I envisioned Hamlet to have when he contemplates his death.
Emma Carolan - 5 years ago
I enjoyed the Mel Gibson version of this speech the best because it was interesting how well he portrayed Hamlet's severe depression and contemplation in this scene. I also liked how he was walking along the chamber where many people, including his father, were buried. This version is the most similar to how I pictured it while reading it in class.
Taylor - 5 years ago
I liked Branagh's version more than the rest because thats how I envisioned it while reading Hamlet during class. The way Hamlet stood and stared at him in the mirror with little to no action and commotion going on around him it made it more deep and intense and you almost felt like you were right there with him. I also believed when Hamlet took out the dagger and stared deeply into the mirror almost like he was disappointed and he was angry at himself which could show how his depression might eventually lead to suicide.
Connor T. - 5 years ago
I enjoyed the Branagh version more than the others because the other actors showed little to no emotion, while Branagh showed much more movement and detail, especially with pointing the dagger at himself in the mirror, possibly symbolizing his insanity and suicidal depression.
Gabbi L - 5 years ago
I enjoyed Mel Gibson's version the best because it is most similar to how I imagine the scene in my head while reading it. He captures the environment of death by having the soliloquy in the tombs, where we know his father and others are buried. He captures the depression and sadness in the speech, as well as the frustration and confusion Hamlet is having inside his head.
Kaylei W. - 5 years ago
I enjoyed the Kenneth Branagh take on Hamlet most out of four versions available on the poll. He intepreted Hamlet as a crazy, almost bipolar man which I find very authentic. Mel Gibbson's verson was also good, but I did not like how he exaggerated the depressed side of the prince. There are hundreds of ways that directors and actors can intepret this famous speech and I believe Branagh's version was truest to the feel that Shakespeare was aiming for.
Sarah M - 5 years ago
I, personally, enjoyed Branagh's version of the speech the best of the four. For, he spoke to himself in the mirror which I inferred to be a symbol. He was speaking to himself and arguing his ideas with himself and his reflection. It was almost a moment of him talking to his own conscience.
Max Greisberg - 5 years ago
I like Kenneth Branagh the best because they show that Hamlet knows he is being watched. I didn't like how Hawke's version had him inside of a movie store because it seems out of place. Branagh's makes Hamlet seem crazy because he talks to himself, but makes him seem more depressed when he pulls out a knife.
Grace B - 5 years ago
I liked Mel Gibson's version of "To Be, or Not to Be" the best because Hamlet was saying the speech in a very dark place and I think that it portrayed Hamlets emotions in a very accurate way. While reading the speech in class I imagined the scenery to look very similar to what was shown in Mel Gibson's version.
Gabi Picott - 5 years ago
I liked Mel Gibson's version the most because, in my opinion, it was less boring than the rest since he was moving around in a sepulcher. The way he said the speech was moving and showed his true sadness and contemplation of the point of living. He acted similarly to how I imagined Hamlet in the book as well, which is why I liked his version the most.
Isabella S. - 5 years ago
I liked David Tennant's version of the "To be or not to be" speech among the 4 because he creates an uneasy feeling for the watcher, as he is talking about death. Also, he puts a lot of dejected feelings into the speech rather than just saying the words.
Hana C. - 5 years ago
I liked David Tennat's version the best because it shows Hamlets dramatic side and his brooding nature. In this version it seems like he is more depressed and shows more how I would envision Hamlet.
Bethany K. - 5 years ago
I preferred Branagh's version over the others. The way he looks at himself in the mirror and is literally talking to himself makes it really seem as if he's contemplating on suicide. Though the setting wasn't exactly as depressing as the others, the way he spoke and paused in between lines really caught my attention and made me want to hear what he had to say.
Castor F - 5 years ago
I like David Tennants version because in the speech Hamlet is contemplating suicide. I think that Tennant showed that emotion the best. Also the lights and music were very dramatic and set the mood better than the others.
Hayley A. (Per. 3) - 5 years ago
I liked David Tennant's version the best because Hamlet uses a very dramatic tone, showing the struggle he is facing. Depression is a very serious topic, and I feel the tone was best portrayed in this version.
Rachel A - 5 years ago
I liked the Mel Gibson version the best because the actor demonstrated Hamlet's sadness and confusion very well. I also like that Hamlet went down to the chamber where his dad was buried when he said the speech.
Hillary A. - 5 years ago
I liked the Mel Gibson the version the best because while we were reading the "To Be, or Not to Be" speech I imagined Hamlet to act that way in my mind.
I prefer the Mel Gibson version best. Though his version differs slightly from the original text, he still shows so much emotion and it really portrays Hamlet’s depression well. I also liked how they set it in his fathers tomb. It shows a good contrast between being alive and being dead and shows how Hamlet is walking the line between suicide and living.
I prefer the Branagh version of “to be or not to be” because he stays with the original literature but also adds his own twists to it. In the Branagh version, you can see that there might have been a large chance that Hamlet had done some things the reader had suspected already.
Hadiya Qazi-
My favourite of the interpretations of "To Be or Not To Be" was the Mel Gibson version. While it slightly differs to the book in setting, I think this choice had a more profound impact than the setting of the book. Hamlet is debating death, debating life, debating whether he could go through with his plan. To have him in a setting associated with despair in death is thus perfect. The addition of his dead father adds to his dilemma and tragic flaw of overthinking: he does not want to disappoint his father, and yet does not want to continue on. Mel did a great job portraying the different feelings and level of emotion that Hamlet is feeling in that moment.
While I respect both Branagh and Tennant, I believe their interpretations were lacking. Tennant had the setting and mood right, with dark and ominous vibes, but his delivery seemed not as natural and brooding. Branagh's was cool to see reflecting himself but personally would like to believe that Hamlet would not stand and observe himself in the mirror; it just seems out of character.
As for the fourth one, its modern setting and delivery did not do it for me.
I like the Mel Gibson portrayal the best because I feel like he was the best at truly displaying his emotions. In the struggle to choose between life and death you can see Hamlet's contemplation tearing him apart. In the Mel Gibson version the roller coaster of emotions Hamlet is on is truly displayed by his actions when he crumbles to the floor, or when he jumps up because he has thought of something else. Also, I like the scenery of the Mel Gibson version the best because it really sets the scene for what he is debating about.
Jonathan Y. Period 2 - I liked the Kenneth Branagh version. It makes use of the changed time setting, so Hamlet can talk to himself in the mirror. He pulls out a knife, pointing it at the mirror, and to extension, himself. This makes the audience question his craziness, while having a subtle undertone of his depression and wish to kill himself.
I preferred the Mel Gibson version of “To he or not to be” because I think it accurately showed how confused Hamlet is when he is rambling. I also like this version because of the spooky setting inside with little light.
Period 2
I enjoyed Mel Gibson's clip of "To Be or Not To Be" the most. I thought it was the one that was best performed because you can see the pain and sadness behind his face and voice. I also liked its set better than the others. Kenneth Branagh portrayed Hamlet more mad than depressed in this scene and that was not how I unvisioned the scene while reading the play. The other two performances didn't show much emotion/passion.
I enjoyed the Kenneth Branagh version of "To be, or not to be" because it was the most realistic according to the play. Additionally, the use of the mirror in the video really suggested the internal struggle that Hamlet was facing during the play. Also, the use of the knife in the video showed how serious he is about killing himself.
I enjoyed the Mel Gibson portrayal of Hamlet because of the whispery tone he utilized to show Hamlet's despair. The eerie setting and his facial expressions during the scene made me feel as though his suicidal thoughts and depression were real.
I liked the Branagh version of "To Be, or Not to Be" because he acted very serious which is quite different that when Branagh normally portrays Hamlet. Also the mirror was very creative because he was having a conversation with himself. The fact the Polonius and Claudius could hear what he said also added to the drama.
I liked the Mel Gibson version of the speech best because he portrayed Hamlet's emotions a lot better than the others. You could clearly tell how he was feeling, and he also drew me in more. The way he gave his speech kept my attention, but the other actors sort of lost my attention after a bit.
I preferred the Kenneth Branagh version of the "To Be, or Not to Be" speech. I thought that the use of the mirror was very clever and creative, as it represents Hamlet having a conversation with himself. I also believe that Branagh shows the most emotion during the speech, and the use of the knife adds more suspense to it.
In my opinion, Mel Gibson's version was the best because it captured Hamlet actually thinking about the pros and cons of death as well as just Hamlet's depression rather than one or the other.
I like Branagh's version better because it shows Hamlet looking into a mirror as if he were speaking directly to himself. It portrays that he is questioning life and his existence. In this version, he seems more angry and mad than depressed. This makes the scene more interesting because the other versions were very sad and slow moving, but this one is more intense. He even pulls out a sword and points it towards himself in the mirror, which adds to the intensity and the dark mood.
I preferred the Mel Gibson version because of how he portrayed Hamlet. In the way he spoke I could tell how depressed he was and how he was seriously contemplating suicide. I also like how it took place where his father was buried because it gave a very eerie feeling. I enjoyed watching this version because this is how I had envisioned this scene to play out in my head.
I liked the Mel Gibson version the best because of the actors portrayal of Hamlet. Mel Gibson makes it seem like he really is depressed. Also, the fact that it takes place in the chamber that his father is buried it really adds to the emotional factor.
I like the Mel Gibson version of "To Be, or Not to Be" because of the way he portrayed Hamlet's emotions. The look in Hamlet's eyes and the rising of his voice showed the Hamlet was depressed, sad and a little crazy. Also by having a soliloquy in the chamber where his father was buried was a clever choice considering Hamlet still needs to seek revenge for his father's death, which is adding to his troubles.
I enjoyed the Kenneth Branagh version the most becuase it really portrayed Hamlet's internal stuggles and tragic flaw. By having him examine himself in the mirror, it shows how he is deeply distressed and is always overthinking things. I also likes it because it showed his deep depression, and stayed most true to the original play.
I like David Tennant's version of "To Be, or Not to Be" the best because it portrays the depression and confusion I imagine Hamlet having.
I personally liked both Kenneth Branagh and David Tennant's performances the most, but David Tennant's "To Be or Not To Be" was so intimate and well delivered that it really caught my attention. His choice of using a soft and somber context to the speech really resonated with the character. He aslo didn't try to make Hamlet and admirable person but someone you can relate to.
I enjoyed the Mel Gibson version of the soliloquy more than the other three. I appreciate Zeffirelli's choice to set the speech in the location in which Hamlet's father was buried, because he was surrounded by death the whole time. The eerie atmosphere made the speech more interesting to watch, and it really emphasized the suicidal aspect of the speech. However, I think that Branagh's version remained truer to how the play was meant to be read. I liked that Branagh chose to pull out a dagger during his speech, as it created suspense and made me want to keep watching. In my opinion, Gibson's version was more enjoyable for the viewer, but Branagh's version was more similar to how I imagined the scene while we were reading it.
I liked Ethan Hawke's version the best because when they decided to use a Blockbuster, I liked the metaphor of having Hamlet walk up and down the aisles for action movies because in the play, Hamlet is contemplating whether or not to take action against his uncle, to kill himself or to do nothing at all.
I liked the David Tennant's interpretation of "To Be or Not To Be," because he creates a mood of sadness portrays a strong, dejected feeling that I envisioned Hamlet to have when he contemplates his death.
I enjoyed the Mel Gibson version of this speech the best because it was interesting how well he portrayed Hamlet's severe depression and contemplation in this scene. I also liked how he was walking along the chamber where many people, including his father, were buried. This version is the most similar to how I pictured it while reading it in class.
I liked Branagh's version more than the rest because thats how I envisioned it while reading Hamlet during class. The way Hamlet stood and stared at him in the mirror with little to no action and commotion going on around him it made it more deep and intense and you almost felt like you were right there with him. I also believed when Hamlet took out the dagger and stared deeply into the mirror almost like he was disappointed and he was angry at himself which could show how his depression might eventually lead to suicide.
I enjoyed the Branagh version more than the others because the other actors showed little to no emotion, while Branagh showed much more movement and detail, especially with pointing the dagger at himself in the mirror, possibly symbolizing his insanity and suicidal depression.
I enjoyed Mel Gibson's version the best because it is most similar to how I imagine the scene in my head while reading it. He captures the environment of death by having the soliloquy in the tombs, where we know his father and others are buried. He captures the depression and sadness in the speech, as well as the frustration and confusion Hamlet is having inside his head.
I enjoyed the Kenneth Branagh take on Hamlet most out of four versions available on the poll. He intepreted Hamlet as a crazy, almost bipolar man which I find very authentic. Mel Gibbson's verson was also good, but I did not like how he exaggerated the depressed side of the prince. There are hundreds of ways that directors and actors can intepret this famous speech and I believe Branagh's version was truest to the feel that Shakespeare was aiming for.
I, personally, enjoyed Branagh's version of the speech the best of the four. For, he spoke to himself in the mirror which I inferred to be a symbol. He was speaking to himself and arguing his ideas with himself and his reflection. It was almost a moment of him talking to his own conscience.
I like Kenneth Branagh the best because they show that Hamlet knows he is being watched. I didn't like how Hawke's version had him inside of a movie store because it seems out of place. Branagh's makes Hamlet seem crazy because he talks to himself, but makes him seem more depressed when he pulls out a knife.
I liked Mel Gibson's version of "To Be, or Not to Be" the best because Hamlet was saying the speech in a very dark place and I think that it portrayed Hamlets emotions in a very accurate way. While reading the speech in class I imagined the scenery to look very similar to what was shown in Mel Gibson's version.
I liked Mel Gibson's version the most because, in my opinion, it was less boring than the rest since he was moving around in a sepulcher. The way he said the speech was moving and showed his true sadness and contemplation of the point of living. He acted similarly to how I imagined Hamlet in the book as well, which is why I liked his version the most.
I liked David Tennant's version of the "To be or not to be" speech among the 4 because he creates an uneasy feeling for the watcher, as he is talking about death. Also, he puts a lot of dejected feelings into the speech rather than just saying the words.
I liked David Tennat's version the best because it shows Hamlets dramatic side and his brooding nature. In this version it seems like he is more depressed and shows more how I would envision Hamlet.
I preferred Branagh's version over the others. The way he looks at himself in the mirror and is literally talking to himself makes it really seem as if he's contemplating on suicide. Though the setting wasn't exactly as depressing as the others, the way he spoke and paused in between lines really caught my attention and made me want to hear what he had to say.
I like David Tennants version because in the speech Hamlet is contemplating suicide. I think that Tennant showed that emotion the best. Also the lights and music were very dramatic and set the mood better than the others.
I liked David Tennant's version the best because Hamlet uses a very dramatic tone, showing the struggle he is facing. Depression is a very serious topic, and I feel the tone was best portrayed in this version.
I liked the Mel Gibson version the best because the actor demonstrated Hamlet's sadness and confusion very well. I also like that Hamlet went down to the chamber where his dad was buried when he said the speech.
I liked the Mel Gibson the version the best because while we were reading the "To Be, or Not to Be" speech I imagined Hamlet to act that way in my mind.