Fate and Revenge in Michael Almereyda’s Interpretation of Hamlet

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet touches on the theme of fate and revenge while explaining the situations Hamlet goes through to avenge his father's death. The play was written during the Elizabethan era conveying their social norms at the time. Michael Almereyda’s 2000 version of Hamlet offers drastic changes to the play in hopes to appeal to a more modern audience, while still portraying the play’s storyline. Although there are obvious changes between the two scripts, Almereyda attempts to include Elizabethan English in the 21st century adds authenticity to this film. In this modern interpretation of Hamlet, we see the story unfold in busy New York City where the atmosphere and beliefs of the characters are put into consideration allowing the audience to relate to Shakespeare's original play better.

During the Elizabethan times, women were looked down upon, and men controlled their lives. William portrays Gertrude and Ophelia as weak in the play to reflect their role in society at the time since we expected them to obey the opposite gender. Although there are some similarities this is not the case in the film as there were scenes where Ophelia ignored both Polonius’ and Laertes’ commands to stop seeing Hamlet. In addition, while Polonius attempts to spy on Hamlet through Ophelia by placing a wire on her Ophelia cries but does not stop him. Her resistance shows how women now have more control over their own lives and do not need their parents’ blessing; however, it still highlights her not having full control. Similarly, women are still fighting for equal rights to this day. To illustrate Shakespeare’s story correctly, the director chooses her resistance as one reason she breaks down and ultimately commits suicide aside from her father’s death. Gertrude in the film plays the role of a “perfect” wife to Claudius they portray her as a powerful and intelligent woman which are not words that typically describe women during the Elizabethan era. It is after the death of Polonius that she turns to drinking, introducing us to a new side of her. This perhaps shows how women in our society are constantly pressured to fit this role of being “strong” to ensure we do not see them as weak or emotional. However, Gertrude was not able to hold up this image. Almereyda’s portrayal of Gertrude and Ophelia not only creates characters that the female audience can relate to but also offers a realistic interpretation of women in the year 2000.

Michael incorporated technology into the film to show the effect it causes on today’s society; however, by doing so, the audience may perceive Hamlet differently. In Shakespeare’s play, we identify Hamlet as mad; however, his lack of initiative towards seeking revenge in the movie portrays a more depressed character. Hamlet often isolates himself and turns to his video diaries where he can reflect on his thoughts and keep himself sane. This clarifies that he finds comfort with his videos however it also makes the audience question whether he will ever commit to his plans. To further appeal to the audience, the film explains how our access to technology can make us feel isolated even though its purpose is to make it easier to connect with others. Rather than confronting someone face-to-face Hamlet would rather call or email the person which can be seen weakness since he depends on technology to avoid personal connection. I believe this allows the audience to truly sympathize with Hamlet since they cannot see his determination which reflects how hurt he is. It shows the audience how technology has impacted us and allows them to relate to Hamlet. Hamlet is an aspiring filmmaker in the film and both him and Ophelia have a common interest in photography however their lack of communication creates an obstacle in their relationship since Hamlet would rather watch videos of Ophelia then meet up with her in person. This shows how in today’s world we have lost our social skills. By incorporating technology, Michael was able to relate to the audience as these are obstacles that our modern community faces.

Michael Almereyda filmed Hamlet’s well known “to be, or not to be? That is the question” soliloquy inside a Blockbuster late at night. With several things put into consideration, the audience’s sympathy for Hamlet grew in this scene because we truly see how lost and desperate he is. Throughout his monologue, we see a lost Hamlet hopelessly wandering down the aisles of a blockbuster seeking answers. He is awkwardly dressed in a suit and a beanie reflecting his state. I believe this scene appeals to the audience since it is relatable to feel helpless and wander somewhere in hopes of answers. The director revealed a glimpse of The Crow: City of Angels on the TVs in Blockbuster and at the time this was a well-known movie about a character who resurrects after being murdered to seek their revenge. The brief scene is of a man being blown off his motorcycle and killed which hints the ending of the play and Michael’s film since Hamlet gets his revenge even though it was not the way he had planned to. These changes to William Shakespeare’s famous soliloquy lets the audience easily interpret the themes of fate and revenge from the original play.

Ultimately Michael Almereyda’s 2000 version of Hamlet offers a different approach compared to the play however with these changes a more modern society is able to comprehend and appreciate Shakespeare's work. By including stronger female roles technology, and daily aspects of our lives in the 21 century the audience are enlightened with a play that speaks to them.