Get Thee to a Nunnery!

Hi AP class!  I'm sorry I can't be here today, but here are two videos of the scene you just read, so you can see this play in live action!

The scene linked below is from the Kenneth Branagh version, and it's a pretty classic interpretation of the scene.  Just click on the link:
Get thee to a nunnery scene

Kenneth Branagh is not at all how I picture Hamlet-- forgive him the mustache, blond hair, and 40-some years of age. It's still a well-played scene-- and I like that they show the tenderness of their relationship before it all blows to bits.  Also, Kate Winslet is a heart-breaking Ophelia. It's so good. Great, classic interpretation.

Aaand... viewer discretion advised, this next one is pretty trippy; it was made in the 70's when EVERYTHING was trippy-- but this link will show you a completely different interpretation of the same scene. Helen Mirren plays Ophelia and characterizes her as very coy and seductive-- not at all the innocent Ophelia we see from Kate Winslet. This scene also presents a fascinating depiction of Hamlet's mental switch from nice guy to meanie... almost worth watching just to see how that's illustrated. Then it gets weird, and Hamlet pulls a knife on Ophelia, and rips her dress (don't worry; she's wearing a bodice underneath). Don't say I didn't warn you. Here's the link:

Trippy Get Thee to a Nunnery scene

Incidentally, Helen Mirren plays both Ophelia AND Gertrude in the trippy interpretation. Now THAT'S injecting some serious directorial commentary! (Can I get an 'Oedipus Complex' shout out, what what?)

See all the cool stuff you can do with Shakespeare?? ENJOY!