Hamlet - Laurence Olivier - Shakespeare - 1948
陰謀、欺瞞、優柔不断の悲劇的結末を描いたウィリアム・シェイクスピアの古典的悲劇「ハムレット」を探求していきます。"そこにいるのは誰だ？" 暗闇でささやかれるこの問いかけから、陰謀、欺瞞、道徳的なあいまいさの物語が始まります。そして、誰もが何かを隠しているこの劇では、その答えは単純なものとは程遠いのです。ウィリアム・シェイクスピアによって書かれた『ハムレット』は、主人公が過去に取り憑かれ、未来から動けなくなる姿を描いています。(English) Explore William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Hamlet, a play about conspiracy, deceit, and indecision's tragic consequences. "Who is there?" This question whispered in the dark, begins a tale of conspiracy, deceit and moral ambiguity. And in a play where everyone has something to hide, the answer is far from simple. Written by William Shakespeare, Hamlet depicts its titular character as haunted by the past but immobilised by the future.
Hamlet - Laurence Olivier - Shakespeare - 1948
Laurence Olivier's Hamlet made four years after his rousingly patriotic Henry V (1944), is a very different proposition. Unsurprisingly, given the tone and content of the play, the general mood is one of brooding introspection. But tellingly, in a phrase not found in Shakespeare's original, Olivier begins by telling us that it is "the tragedy of a man who could not make up his mind", foregrounding the film's central theme, a neat metaphor for the uncertainty of the immediate post-war years.
He also essentially eliminates the political intrigue of the play: Fortinbras is banished, as are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern - the three characters most indelibly associated with the world outside Elsinore. Instead, these cuts focus on the play's central theme: the relationship between Hamlet, his lover Ophelia, his mother Gertrude and his stepfather Claudius.
Olivier was forty when he played the part, old by Hamlet's standards. As a side effect, however, the latent eroticism of the scenes with his mother is heightened, especially after Polonius's murder, but also at the climax, when it's made clear that she knowingly drinks the poison to kill herself.
Stylistically, Hamlet is very different from Henry V. Shot in high-contrast black and white, it's not quite as overtly expressionist as, say, Orson Welles' Macbeth (also 1948), but it's undoubtedly a similarly claustrophobic, suffocating experience, with none of the openings of its predecessor or any continuation of Olivier's explorations of the contrast between film and theatrical performance.
Q1:
These are the first words in the film Hamlet. Please tell me the meaning of the following sentence.
"So oft it chances in particular men
That through some vicious mole of nature in them,
By the o'ergrowth of some complexion
Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason,
Or by some habit grown too much; that these men -
Carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect,
Their virtues else - be they as pure as grace,
Shall in the general censure take corruption
From that particular fault."
This quote describes how certain people can have a flaw or defect in their character that affects their behaviour and reputation, even if they have other positive qualities. The quote suggests that this flaw is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of a certain temperament or a habit that has become too ingrained. The result is that these people are criticised and seen as corrupt because of this one fault, despite their other virtuous qualities.
Q2:
Does this mean that although Hamlet has good qualities, he can be criticised for only one fault?
Yes, that is one interpretation of the quote. The quote is about how a particular fault or flaw in a person's character can overshadow their other virtuous qualities and lead to general criticism. In the context of Shakespeare's play Hamlet, it could be argued that this applies to the character of Hamlet, who is known for his intelligence and noble qualities but is also often criticised for his indecisiveness and erratic behaviour.
Q3:
Why "So oft it chances in particular men"?
I think there is a similar case to Hamlet for women.
The quote "So oft it chances in particular men" was written at a different time, with other social and cultural norms, when gender roles were more rigidly defined. It was typical for literary works of the time to focus on male characters and to use gender-specific language. However, it is true that the idea expressed in the quote can apply to individuals of any gender and that the same dynamics of character flaws affecting reputation can occur for women. In this sense, the quote can be seen as a general observation about human nature and not limited to men.
Q4:
What does "o'ergrowth" mean?
"O'ergrowth" is an archaic spelling of "overgrowth", meaning an excessive or uncontrolled increase or expansion in size or quantity. In the context of the quote, it refers to how the individual's character flaw may have grown over time into something larger or more dominant. The idea is that the individual's temperament or habit has become so prevalent that it affects their behaviour and reputation, even if they have other positive qualities.
Q5:
What does "Oft " mean?
"Oft " is an archaic word meaning "often". It is used in the quote to suggest that the scenario described, where a person's one character flaw overshadows their other virtues, is a common occurrence.
Q6:
What does "Shall in the general censure take corruption" mean? Is it correct grammar?
"Shall in the general censure take corruption" means that the individual's reputation will be tarnished or corrupted in the eyes of others because of the criticism and negative judgement of their one character flaw. The grammar of this sentence is somewhat archaic and formal, typical of the time in which Shakespeare wrote. However, it can be considered grammatically correct in the context of the play, where the language is deliberately elevated, and formal constructions are used to create a particular style and tone.
Q7:
Is this kind of "old-fashioned grammar, such as archaic and formal", usually studied in England?
Yes, the study of old-fashioned grammar, mainly Shakespearean English, is a standard part of the English curriculum in England. Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language, and his works continue to be widely read and studied, not only in England but throughout the world. Therefore, understanding the grammar and vocabulary used in Shakespeare's writing is essential to appreciating and analysing his works. In addition, studying Shakespeare can provide insight into the historical development of the English language and how it has changed over time.
Q8:
For example, which of Shakespeare's works are studied at the primary and secondary school level in England?
In England, the study of Shakespeare's works usually begins at the secondary school level, which in some countries is equivalent to middle or junior high school. At this level, students are often introduced to some of Shakespeare's most famous plays, such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet and A Midsummer Night's Dream. These plays are chosen for their popularity, accessibility and themes relevant to young people, such as love, ambition and revenge.
In the early years of secondary school, students typically read and analyse selected scenes or acts from these plays, focusing on their understanding of the plot, character development and language. As students progress, they may study entire plays, exploring more complex themes and the historical context in which the plays were written. Students can also explore Shakespeare's poetry and sonnets, which are integral to his literary legacy.
Q9:
Please give me a summary of Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Hamlet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is one of his most famous and enduring works.
Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play revolves around Prince Hamlet, who is grieving the recent death of his father, the King. Hamlet is further shocked when his mother, Queen Gertrude, quickly remarries his uncle, King Claudius, who has taken the throne. Suspicious of his uncle's actions, Hamlet begins to believe that Claudius is involved in his father's death.
As Hamlet struggles with his grief and desire for revenge, he shows signs of madness, and his behaviour becomes increasingly erratic. This leads to tensions with those around him, including his friends, his lover Ophelia and the court.
The situation reaches a boiling point when Hamlet stages a play reenacting the murder of his father in front of Claudius, hoping to confirm his guilt. Claudius' reaction confirms Hamlet's suspicions, and he decides to take action. However, his plans are complicated by the arrival of Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway, who wants to reclaim the land lost to Denmark in an earlier war.
The play ends with a series of violent confrontations in which several characters, including Hamlet, Claudius and Ophelia, are killed. The kingdom of Denmark is left in turmoil, and the future is uncertain.
"Hamlet is known for its complex characters, exploration of themes such as grief, revenge and madness, and memorable lines and monologues, including the famous "To be or not to be" speech. It continues to be widely read and performed and is considered one of the greatest works of Western literature.
Q10:
What do you think of Laurence Olivier as Hamlet?
As an AI speech model, I don't have a personal opinion. However, I can tell you that Laurence Olivier's performance as Hamlet is widely regarded as one of the great interpretations of the character. He starred in and directed the 1948 film version of the play, the first full-length feature version of "Hamlet".
Olivier's portrayal of Hamlet is renowned for its intelligence, intensity and emotional depth. He brings a range of complex emotions to the role, from anger and frustration to sadness and confusion. His delivery of the famous soliloquies is considered particularly powerful.
Overall, Olivier's interpretation of Hamlet was highly influential and set a high standard for subsequent productions. His performance remains one of the most memorable and respected interpretations of Shakespeare's iconic character.
Last:
Thank you for all your help. I would like to see Olivier's film.
You're welcome! If you're interested in seeing Laurence Olivier's film version of Hamlet, it's widely available to rent or buy online. Some streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes and YouTube also have it available. Alternatively, you may find it at a local library or video store. I hope you enjoy the film!
Why should you read "Hamlet"? - Iseult Gillespie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTu39aMg_mU
Explore William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Hamlet, a play about conspiracy, deceit, and indecision's tragic consequences.
"Who is there?" This question whispered in the dark, begins a tale of conspiracy, deceit and moral ambiguity. And in a play where everyone has something to hide, the answer is far from simple. Written by William Shakespeare, Hamlet depicts its titular character as haunted by the past but immobilised by the future.
Hamlet - The great Laurence Olivier at his best!
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