Hamlet Act 1 Scene 5

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Recommended: The role of ghost in Hamlet

The Mel Gibson version of Act I, scene 5 gives the most accurate representation of the ghost’s purpose to use Hamlet as a result the actors’ movements and manners of speaking. In this film clip, the ghost is calm and sure of himself, speaking softly, as ghosts do, yet with conviction of his own authority. He is also mobile in the scene, moving ever closer to a Hamlet who appears to be paralyzed with fear. This motion establishes an unequal power dynamic between the father and son, making it clear that the late King Hamlet is in control of the situation. Although the ghost still tells Hamlet to “taint not [his] mind, nor let [his] soul contrive against [his] mother aught,” the line is delivered as an ominous warning rather than fatherly advice.

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