Portrayals of Hamlet 1.3-1.5

For this week's post, I'd like you to look at how Act I has been performed in the past and consider the director and actor's choices in presenting these key scenes that set the tone for the rest of the play.

Select one of the following options:

1.  Look at this portrayal of 1.3 and discuss how Ophelia is portrayed in this scene. Do you agree with how this actress approaches her?

Now compare this portrayal with this scene from the Zeffirelli version:

2.  Watch Kenneth Branagh discuss Act 1, Scene 5:

And then watch the actual scene:

What strikes you about this portrayal of the scene and Branagh's approach?