Option 2: Kenneth Branagh as Hamlet Act 5 Scene 1 (Yorick)

Kenneth Branagh as Hamlet

You have until Friday 1.15.10 to complete this assignment. It is to be typed in 12pt font, Times New Roman, and 2bl spaced.

It is worth 100 points and will be graded with the APE Rubric.

Objective: Watch the performance above of a potion of Act 5 Scene 2 and critique the director's interpretation of the scene. (I'm only interested in the Yorick section, from 2:50 - end--the rest is context.)

Your critique of the video must be based on your knowledge and understanding of the passage, so you must provide textual evidence from Hamlet as well as provide descriptions of the video. I can't watch the video and read your post at the same time, so you need to make me see what you see with your words. It will also help you to take notes on the video while you watch it. Pay attention to what you captures your attention. Notice what you notice! (Hint: Watch the video more than once.)

Pay attention to:

• delivery of the lines
• imagery the setting / scenery
• the portrayal of the actor (characterization)
• lighting & camera effects
• sound effects or music
• etc--the list could keep going

You should make sure to develop a sophisticated thesis. It should be about 1,000 words (use your best judgment in either direction--this is a recommendation, not a requirement. It should be as long as it takes to develop your thesis.)