something is rotten in BHS

The 21st century version of Hamlet by Mike Almereyda was by far the most interesting and enjoyable. As the movie opens, there are images of death and destruction being seen through a video camera reel. The reel also suggests the difference between appearance and reality. After seeing clips of Hamlet Sr. and Gertrude, the screen then stares into Hamlet's eyes. It directly relates the idea that what the people are seeing and the public image of the happenings with the King and Queen are very different from what Hamlet sees. Also, the actor for Hamlet, wearing the sunglasses with his hair disheveled fits beautifully into what I felt Hamlet should look like during this time of chaos in his life. The pompous celebration that is going on seems to not affect Hamlet whatsoever. He only continues his filming, almost as if he is hiding behind it. He appears to be relatively happy, yet he ignores Claudius' attempt to speak to him and walks away. So, while the opening of  the movie focuses a lot on themes, it also creates a minute conflict between Hamlet and Claudius which will only grow.