Vincent Nguyen Period 1 Ms.

Hollingsworth 2/26/12 Mouse Trap Scene Analysis The mousetrap scene from Shakespeares novel Hamlet was staged differently in many films, one example including Kenneth Branaghs film version. Kenneth Branaghs film version of Hamlet for this scene sets itself in the Victorian Period in a Victorian Theater. There were many interesting aspects of this film version in regards to Hamlets behavior toward Ophelia, king and queen, and Claudiuss and Gertrudes reaction to the scene. In this film version, Hamlet says and expresses his feelings in an overly exaggerated manner. When Hamlet starts to approach and speak to Ophelia, she seems very nervous and shocked. An example of this is when Hamlet sexually flirts and insults Ophelia by saying Lady shall I lie in your lap. When Hamlet says this, Ophelia looks away embarrassed and replies No, My Lord quietly. In contrast to Ophelias quietness, Hamlet is very loud and sarcastic. Hamlets loudness and sarcastic draws in a lot of attention from those around him and in the theater as he progresses to jab at Claudius and Gertrude. The stinginess in his words is like a slap in the face to Claudius, but the king and queen do not pay much attention by ignoring him in order to continue with the scene. As the play progresses into where the players act out the murder scene, Claudius and Gertrudes reaction to it were very interesting. We can see the trembling and the attention on both of their faces during the scene when the 2nd king-player enters in and murders the 1st king. Another thing we should also consider is that when the player king dies, everybody darts at quick eye stare at Claudius himself which increases more shock and suspense. Both Claudiuss and Gertrudes face looks stunned and motionless as Hamlet moves to the stage to congratulate the

players. Few minutes later Claudius couldnt control his feelings any longer and in an intimidating manner stands up and demands for light. The mousetrap scene from Hamlet written by William Shakespeare was acted out in a film directed by Kenneth Branagh. One scene that was very interestingly presented in the film version was the mousetrap scene in which Hamlet watches Claudiuss reaction to the play within a play of the murder scene in reference to how it is believed that Claudius killed his father Hamlet Sr. in order to get the throne and marry his mother Gertrude. This film version of the play sets itself into the Victorian Era. Many aspects of this film version including Hamlets gestures and behavior to Ophelia, king and queen and the way that both the king and queen reacted to the murder-play itself both contributed to the interesting interpretation of this film version.