Sunday, October 13, 2013

Ophelia Vs. Ophelia

    The actress portraying Ophelia in the first video presents her character in a bold way. In the video, when Laertes warns Ophelia about Hamlet's affections, "A violet in the youth of primy nature/Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting/The perfume and suppliance of a minute/No more," (1.3.8-10), the actress responds in an annoyed, almost sarcastic manner. In this way, Ophelia seems strong-willed and unwilling to listen to her father and brother. I don't agree with her approach at portraying Ophelia. This is the first scene that involves Ophelia, and her responses toward her father and brother's opinions should leave me unsure about what's really going on inside of her head. Instead, the scene left me with the thought that Ophelia had her mind set to disobey their advice and continue to see Hamlet. I imagine Ophelia's character as a softer woman whose intentions toward her relationship with Hamlet are unclear. 
    The actress in the second video portrays Ophelia as a quiet, conflicted young woman. I had to re-watch the scene to come to the conclusion that she barely speaks in the video. While her brother Laertes  lectures her to stay away from Hamlet, the actress meekly walks around him and avoids his gaze. Her facial expressions are troubled and give the impression that her brother's opinions do matter to her. I connect with the second actress's portrayal of Ophelia much more than the first. 

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