Hamlet: Keeping up With the Kardashians

In my version of Hamlet, I would turn Hamlet's life into a reality T.V. show called "Hanging with Hamlet." Old Hamlet would be Robert Kardashian, Gertrude would be Kris Kardashian, Hamlet would be Rob Kardashian, and Claudius would be a meaner version of Bruce Jenner. I would actually have Horatio and Marcellus be played by Kim and Khloe Kardashian, and be girls (Horatia and Marcella). Both Hamlet and "Keeping up with the Kardashians" are similar in some ways because both families come from a lot of wealth, and Rob Kardashian dealt with the death of his father just like Hamlet.

For Act 1, Scene 2, I would have Claudius first start off with his own interview talking about how he is excited to bring together the family, act as the new father figure, and try to relieve some of the pressure by taking over Dash (the family clothing store). Then the camera would go to a dramatic scene where Hamlet is death staring Claudius and Gertrude as they cuddle on the couch. The camera would zoom on Hamlet's face, and then switch to his own interview where he talks about how unfair his life is. He would explain how Claudius's best friend's son is hosting this crazy party, and Claudius won't let Hamlet go. Hamlet is facing a new time low.

Then, while Claudius and Gertrude are shopping with Hamlet, they get mad how he is only picking out black clothes, and scold him in front of the entire store (how embarrassing!). In the interview, Claudius and Gertrude would just say they were being good parents, but in Hamlet's interview, he thinks his life is over. Hamlet would drive away in his Bentley while Gertrude and Claudius kept shopping.

When Hamlet gets back from home, Hortatia and Marcella are standing by the door with some crazy news about Old Hamlet.

The Famous Question: To Be or Not to Be?

I found it quite interesting to watch how different directors portrayed the "to be or not to be" scene. In both clips, Hamlet appears in deep thought, and almost at war with himself. However, in the first clip, Hamlet comes off as quizzical, and quiet, since his voice is softer, and he is talking to his reflection in the mirror. It almost seems like he is plotting something, and I couldn't really figure out what his emotions were. Also, I found it interesting how the director had Ophelia, Claudius, and Polonius all listening into the conversation. In the second clip, Hamlet really comes off as frustrated. I feel like the director had him focusing on life in general since he was walking around a tomb like area (I'm guessing his father's grave). Hamlet conversation is more private than in the first clip, and therefore, I feel like he better portrays his emotions. Overall, I liked the second clip better.