Intriguing Camera Work in Zeffirelli’s Film, Hamlet Essay example -- M

Intriguing Camera Work in Zeffirellis Film, villageThe three-dimensional camera work of Zeffirelli in crossroads emphasizes the surveillance methods and intrigues carried by by the forces of good and of evil. In the opening scene, Elsinore Castle looms over the soldiers and sight standing outside. The camera angle forces one to look up at the dark fort then the camera surveys the people, revealing that the evil from witnhin the fastness is not self-contained but looms over and affects everyone in Denmark.Inside the castle during the funeral, Claudius, the man who exemplifies evil, is focused on several times by the camera. The kickoff picture of him is from a short distance, minimizing his presence. As the funeral proceeds, however, three closeups make him come forward more evil for there is no sorrow in his face, merely a scheming, hawklike look as he watches every movement of Gertrude and Hamlet. The closeups to a fault bring him from a distant observer to one that is in co ntrol, having interpreted the place of big businessman by ruline over his dead brother.As the King and Queen ar sitting on the throne announcing their marriage, the camera gives a distant, roaming observer view by circling the room while continually having them, peculiarly Claudius, as the focal point. This emphasizes once again that his evil ways are spread throughout the kingdom and arent easily contained in one someone or one location.There are several times in the movie when the camera shows surveillance done by Hamlet, who represents good, of those who are strange to him. The action of focusing on Hamlet from his vantage point as well emphasizes that hes one step ahead of everyone else because of his insight, and this also helps him in his cause.For example, when ... ...ly. This will be the final test in the war between good and evil, though Hamlet doesnt have the advantage this time of knowing the depth of the plot, disdain his suspicions.After the fatally wounded Laer tes points the finger at the king, Claudius, who has been a tongueless observer to Laertes confession, backs up, trying to distance himself from being the focal point trusty for the evil that has taken place. However, he is unsuccessful, as a raging Hamlet follows him. The closeup of Hamlet killing the king twice amplifies his triumph.After the final closeup on Hamlet lying in Horatios arms, the camera draws back to include the solely company of people looking on what has just taken place. The bandstand might be seen as that of heaven, emphasizing that though in the inauguration evil had loomed over the kingdom, now righteousness has been restored in Denmark.