Ghost Scene:

Branagh"s Version:
Branaugh does a good job of portraying Hamlet in the ghost scene in Act 1 of the play. The setting takes place in the dark woods. This already adds a sense of fear to the scene. Hamlet is frightened by his father's ghost. The scene starts off with the ghost's voice. After a few seconds he appears. While the ghost voice is talking, Branagh uses props such as bubbling waters and smoke. These are only seen for a couple of seconds. The whole time, there is music playing in the background but it is not loud.Throughout the scene, the ghost has alot of flashback to when he was alive and one of the flashbacks he has is how his brother killed him by pouring liquid from a vile into his ear. Towards the end of the scene, there is an emphasis on Hamlet and the ghost's eyes as they exchange looks. The scene ends with their eyes.

Zeffirelli's Version:
Zeffirelli's version of the ghost scene is not very long but enough to understand the jist of it. The setting takes place outside in the dark. Mel Gibson is Hamlet. The wind is blowing very strongly in the background but there is no music. As Hamlet, hears the voice if the ghost, he holds out his sword. The ghost does not really come to him directly but rather leans on a wall the whole time he is speaking to Hamlet. The ghost is not really as scary as the ghost in Branaugh's version of the scene.

Overall, both directors did a good job of portraying Hamlet in the ghost scene. As for Zeffirelli, he could have done a better job at making the ghost appear more frightening. The ghost could have had a bit more emotion and movement rather than just speaking to Hamlet from a distance. Other than that, everything else was fine. The setting in both version agrees with the scene that was taking place. It was not contrary to the scene. Also both director did a good job at using props. The version that I prefer is Branaugh's version. The music in the background builds up more suspense and so do the ghost's light blue eyes.

*I could not find Ameyrelda's version of the ghost scene on youtube*