To Be or Not To Be, 'tis nay phase moth'r!

Introduction

The famous "To Be or Not To Be" speech in the play is a scene in which Hamlet contemplates life or death.  Just as many other comparisons we have done, each interpretation will definitely stack up differently.  LET'S CHECK 'EM OUT!

Oliver's Hamlet
The top-of-the-tower setting over the ocean was a really great choice in my opinion.  It gave the feeling of vast loneliness that Hamlet was feeling then, really no one to talk to about any of what he is going through.  Along with the feeling of loneliness, I applaud the director for making him put the knife up to his neck/body giving off more immediate danger.  Then dropping it as he begins to realize why men do go throw the "whips and scorns" of life.  There's really no use of lighting here, but it's just bright.  I love how Hamlet's actor portrays his lines, very slowly and really thinking with each word.  He slowly recites them to show that whatever Hamlet is saying is hitting him (actual Hamlet in the play) very deeply.  Over-all, I enjoyed this version and I believe it is not fantastic or terrible, just good.

DAMN, Look at that pose GOOD LAWD!  Oh wait I accidentally made a Jojo reference.... I'm trying to stop I swear...

Zeffirelli's Hamlet
It's dark and quiet in this catacomb, Hamlet talks to skeletons/his dead ancestors, and contemplated joining the skeleton army.  I rate this version 12/10 spooks at least. I thought it was a smart choice to make him walk around, the way I saw this interpretation was that Hamlet was calling out to the ancestors.  He asked and pondered what is after his current life, and this subtle element really drove it home for me.  Yet again, no music during the scene but in this case they made it work.  I'd also like to point out how much I appreciated his emotions throughout.  It began with rage, and then as he realized the "rub" and stepped into the literal light he was saddened to understand that he must take on the harshness of life.

THERE WERE SKELETMEN (yes, SKELET. MEN.) SPOOKIN' 'ROUND THE GRAVES WITH HAMLET.  Anyways, this ties into how he was talking to the dead in some hopes that they may speak out and say "you go HERE when you become a skeletman!".  The skeleton war rages onward past death... Hamlet is like a Spooky Scary Skeleton in the sense that he only wants to socialize with Ophelia, but Polonius does not think they should.  'Cause Spooky Scary Skeletons and Hamlet both make Ophelia uncomfortable by grabbing her violently.

Branagh's Hamlet
This adaptation is incredibly bright, not very depressing and more FOR GLORY!  Seriously, this version seems to be more of Hamlet manning up instead of breaking apart.  I dislike this version the most of the four shown, it just feels... of...the others are common in the sense they show Hamlet is weak and his mental state is unwell, and this version shows how he thinks "I'M GOING TO GET REVENGE 'CAUSE I'M MAD AND COOL".  I do like what the do with what they shot for, though.  Looking under what they strove for is pretty good, a great part that shows what I mean is as he touches his knife to his face.  It's creepy and puts out an angry vibe from Hamlet.  Once again, this is looking from the director's eyes on Hamlet being more of revenge instead of his mental state.

Calm down over there, drama queen.  Go listen to some Breaking the Habit and cry some more in your room. (Thanks Derrel Wrights)

Almereyda's Hamlet
I really REALLY am loving this version.  It being modern...well, VHS era modern...hits closer to home for me.  Usually I dislike modern takes on films like Leonardo Decaprio's Romeo and etc., but this director does everything perfect.  Hamlet looks dead, mindlessly wondering around the store contemplating life, just as one would do in deep thought.  The director makes great subtle hints as well, always showing death and destruction on the T.V. whether it be at the store or in his house.  While there's not a lot to discuss in this scene, I still love it for what it does.  I still do not completely understand what makes it so special to me, but I'll find out eventually.

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