Comparing Polonius In Mel Gibson's Hamlet And David Tennius

Hamlet is a play by Shakespeare that tells a story of desired revenge. King Hamlet dies and Hamlet comes home to find his mother interested in someone else and King Hamlet comes back as a ghost. One of the minor characters but has an important role is Polonius, an old wise counselor of the king. He is also the father of Ophelia and as most fathers he is loving and loves his daughter. Two film versions of the play that seem to display Polonius quite differently are Hamlet by Mel Gibson and David Tennant. Polonius is portrayed different in three areas of the films, his ability to listen, ability to focus, and his compassion.

In the Mel Gibson version, Polonius possesses the ability to listen though we see this in many characters the main one is towards Ophelia. Polonius takes time to let her talk as he listens. Although, in the David Tennant film, he tends to focus more on what he has to say other than simply listening. One instance in which Polonius talks about giving advice to others but he is not taking for himself is when he says, “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow as the night the day, Though canst not then be false to any man.” He learns that listening to others can

also help him in his life.
In the David Tennant version, Polonius tends to be quite scatterbrained as if he is focused on something else.

Potentially, focusing on things to come other than what is happening currently in his life. On the other hand, in the Mel Gibson film he seems to be wholly focused and not distracted. Especially in his conversations with Ophelia, he tends to be more focused on what she has to say along with listening very well. In an article by Michael Sacks, he goes along with this concept that Polonius is very scatterbrained and babbles. “Though he attempts to convey an image of shrewdness, Polonius often comes across as a bumbling old fool.”(Sacks, Michael). Therefore, David Tennant portrays Polonius as if he’s concerned about something and just likes to hear himself

talk.
One final trait that is portrayed different of Polonius between the films is his compassion. In the Mel Gibson version, he comes off more laid back and friendly. He takes the time to listen and focuses in on what others have to say but as well shows more care through his words and actions. In the David tenant film, he comes off slightly bitter and displeased. He tends to focus more on what he has to say rather than taking the time to slow down and listen which displays a lack of compassion. In the play and especially the Mel Gibson version, he is very persistent and what he says goes.
In both films Polonius is portrayed almost as a different person. The David Tennant film portrays one who lacks compassion and the ability to listen, as well, he seems to be distracted on something. Whereas in the Mel Gibson version he holds the trait of having compassion and listening to others. He also seems to be wholly in each conversation and more intentional. In both films he plays the same role and is sensible. As far as originality goes, Mel Gibson created a film of the play coming to life and David Tennant created a more modern day version of the play.