Comparing Films 'Mousetrap And' Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet

Both films are trying to convey the fact that Hamlet’s facade works in making the audience believe Hamlet is actually mad and to expose his parent’s relationship. The purpose of the “Mousetrap” scene was to find out if Hamlet sees that Claudius has a reaction to his play similar to his father’s death, so he could know if he really killed his father or not. During the scene, facial expressions, and movement will determine whether or not Claudius or anyone else have a reaction to the play making them guilty of the murder of King Hamlet. The film that does well in executing these certain characteristics is the Kenneth Branagh version of Hamlet. The acting company in the Branagh version shows Hamlet’s mad character and how it affects Claudius’ facial expressions and behavior within the scene.

Each time it comes to Hamlet’s lines he goes with a sarcastic tone speaking fast making it uncomfortable for Ophelia to respond. Hamlet interacts with Ophelia in a way that is rude and insulting, also creating facial expressions to portray how uncomfortable Ophelia is with Hamlet. For example, Ophelia tried complimenting Hamlet’s observation of the play only to backfire with Hamlet’s comment that he could read Ophelia’s relationship like a puppet show she once did to him. Not only does he make rude comments but vulgar ones as well telling Ophelia, “It would cost you a groaning to take off my edge,” making the conversation painful to Ophelia. The interaction between both characters is different with one another. Hamlet is justified to say whatever he wants because he is “mad” and Ophelia is pressured to answer to his vulgar