To Be Or Not To Be

     In the Olivier version of the scene, it takes place on a cliff with torrents of water crashing against it below. It helps with the setting because it adds to dilemma that Hamlet is going through. Jumping off the cliff would've lead to his death, something that Hamlet went on about for his entire soliloquy. The absence of music throughout the scene helps keep the viewers attention on Hamlet. It shows that the words give enough substance to the scene to the point where music is not needed to compliment it. You can see the hesitation Hamlet makes as he takes out the dagger and threatens to stab himself. Even his resignation when he realizes that he doesn't have the willpower to take his own life and walks off the into the fog.
     As for the Zeffrelli version, although the lighting is to be expected since its a more updated version of the play, i think the gradual descent into darkness is a translation of how hamlet was feeling at the time. As he went down the stairs, the light slowly died out, replaced by splotches of light on the bodies of his relatives. Besides the fact that his soliloquy is taking place in a catacomb, it's interesting that Hamlet's contemplating life and death in front of the remains of his ancestors. His soft spoken voice adds to the sadness and misery that Hamlet would've been feeling. As in the previous version, after he resolute's not to take his own life, Hamlet goes back up the stairs, "into the light"
     In Branaugh's version of Hamlet, I interpreted the soliloquy interestingly. The speech is about how hard it is to endure life but also how it's hard to take that life away. I feel as though when Hamlet was walking towards the mirror, he was trying to look inside himself to see that little piece that was preventing him from taking his own life. As we all do when we look in a mirror, Branaugh was examining his character, seeing the flaws in himself and even pulling out a knife.
     In the more modern remake of the play, Almeryda starts it off with Hamlet walking up and down the aisles of a Blockbuster. Although at first glance there isn't much to interperet about the play, more can be seen upon further inspection. Hamlet walks through the action aisle multiple times, which is ironic because his whole speech is about the inability of humans to take action and end their own lives. He's also dressed in clothing that would considered "emo" for this day and age. I suppose his clothing would represent the emotions felt during an existential crisis like this.
     As for why there are so many versions of the play? I think thats because the text itself leaves much to be wondered about the emotion being displayed. Different directors may have different takes on how the scene should be played out. Despite these scenes coming from the same sections of text, they are each unique with their own styles of lighting and acting. I think the Zeffrelli version did the best job at rein-acting the soliloquy. The tone of Hamlet's voice makes the speech somber and the setting of it really helps you feel the despair that Hamelt feels.