Question

Take a look at this image from Jonathan Price’s adaptation of Hamlet.

An actor portraying Hamlet.

Take a look at this image from Sir Lawrence Olivier’s adaptation of Hamlet.

An actor portraying Hamlet.

How do the actors’ portrayals affect their adaptations of Hamlet?

Both actors appear to be calm and logical, emphasizing the idea that Hamlet has not fallen into madness.
Both actors appear to be angry and tormented, emphasizing the idea that Hamlet has fallen into madness.
The actors are not wearing similar clothes, indicating that it is necessary to change wardrobes for each separate production.
The actors are not expressing the same emotions, indicating that it is difficult for actors to agree about how to interpret Hamlet.

Answer 1

The actors are not expressing the same emotions, indicating that it is difficult for actors to agree about how to interpret Hamlet.

Different emotional portrayals (calm vs. tormented, for example) change an adaptation’s tone and what aspects of Hamlet’s character and madness are emphasized, so productions often differ.