The first version of Hamlet showed a great deal of emotions. Mel Gibson played a commendable Hamlet. He showed his emotions well. During the conversation with his father we can see all the anger, and sadness that is building up. We can feel the intensity between the two characters. The Ghost's tone was sorrowful. The darkness during the conversation made it more suspenseful. Overall, Zeffirelli kept his version liberal and accurate.
Branagh's choice of music and how fast he wanted the actors to speak in the beginning of the scene added a feeling of anxiety. When Branagh ran through the forest, the special effects that were added, took away from the scene. It was cliche in my opinion. However, aside from the bad effects the Ghost was well played. The difference between Branagh's ghost and Zeffirelli's is the tone. Branagh's version of the Ghost sounded more spiteful. He strikes more fear than his counter part. The he way he looked was more evil. Also, Branagh's Hamlet was less sympathetic than Gibson. Unlike Gibson he wasn't as convincing.
Michael Almereyda's version offered a different view on Hamlet. Compared to the other versions, Hawke is much younger. The Ghost was much more hands on. He was able to touch him while the other versions vanish as Hamlet tries to hold him. The lighting made it less intense. The subtle music in the background intensified towards the end giving off a feeling of sadness. The hug and the Ghost's final words "Remember me" was more sympathetic than the other ones.
