Complexity Of Thinking In Hamlet

“Nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so”, is said by Hamlet during Scene 2, Act 2, of the Shakespearean play, Hamlet. This quote discusses the complexities of thinking, and how overthinking can cause a distorted and impractical idea of reality. In the eyes of a moral idealist, such as Hamlet, this contemplative state causes the character to see only the good outcomes of a situation. Through this idea, in both the Kenneth Branagh and the Gregory Doran’s theatrical renditions of the play, through the use of music, colour, and symbols in the Closet Scene, one can infer that hamlet is in fact a moral idealist.

During the Closet Scene in both Branagh and Doran’s film’s scores compliment and contrast each other to further this belief

This presents the happenings as very matter of factly, with little influence from nondiegetic sound allowing the viewer to allow their own feelings to happen. While, on the flip side, Doran’s scene starts with a sound bridge to carry the mood of suspense and intriguement from scene to scene. As well, once David Tennant’s portrayal of Hamlet uses the line “Almost as bad, good mother, as kill a king and marry with his brother”, suspenseful sounds are heard with Hamlet’s accusation, influencing one to feel this same suspense and fear that is filling the room. In parallel to each other, both versions have a score playing as the king appears. This is to entice the feelings that each director believes Hamlet is experiencing. But, these score’s differ greatly. In the Branagh version, the score is sweet and melodic. It exemplifies the adoration and appreciation Hamlet has for his late father. While, the sound during this time in the Doran rendition starts with the onscreen sound of the clock ringing. It helps transition into the ominous music that has filled the scene up until that point, then, to the sound of a curious tune, and then a transition into a panicked melody as Gertrude is left questioning