Get Thee to a Nunnery

Two videos for you, so you can see this play in live action!


I tried embedding this, but it didn't work, or else I couldn't figure it out.  Let's pretend it was the former.  So, just click on the link:

Get thee to a nunnery scene

Kenneth Branagh is not at all how I picture Hamlet-- forgive him the mustache, blond hair, and 40-some years of age.  It's still a well-played scene-- and they even kiss at that spot when it would work for them to kiss!  Also, Kate Winslet is a heart-breaking Ophelia.  It's so good.  Great, classic interpretation.

Aaand... viewer discretion advised, this next one is pretty trippy; it was made in the 70's when EVERYTHING was trippy-- but this link will show you a completely different interpretation of the same scene.  Helen Mirren plays Ophelia and characterizes her as very coy and seductive-- not at all the innocent Ophelia we see from Kate Winslet.  This scene also presents a fascinating depiction of Hamlet's mental switch from nice guy to meanie... almost worth watching just to see how that's illustrated.  Then it gets weird, and Hamlet pulls a knife on Ophelia, and rips her dress (don't worry; she's wearing a bodice underneath).  Don't say I didn't warn you.  Here's the link:

Trippy Get Thee to a Nunnery scene

Incidentally, Helen Mirren plays both Ophelia AND Gertrude in the trippy interpretation.  Now THAT'S  injecting some serious directorial commentary!  (Can I get an 'Oedipus Complex' shout out, what what?)

See all the cool stuff you can do with Shakespeare??  ENJOY!