Video Interpretations.

Each of these videos brings emphasis to several different things. Using the different views from the person who created them you can see differences. In Oedipus the King Part 10/12, emphasis is brought to the fact that he is blind. This appears to have psychologically impaired him. Oedipus is not only literally blind, but figuratively too. He could not see that he actually did kill his father and marry his mother as the prophecy was proclaimed. He was ignorant in seeing the truth. Now he hides his face in attempts to keep it from the people. Another thing that stands out when he hides his face is that he is wearing white. His white clothing that was once pure as a king would be thought of, but is now stained in blood. Two red blood spots have bled through his sleeve as to show that hiding is not an option for him now.

The despair and agony that Oedipus is going through is also portrayed as significant. Oedipus is moaning because of the pain and shame he now feels. The gods’ power was what determined this pain. Due to their proclamation of the prophecy, and the fact that they are gods and not wrong meant that it was to happen no matter what. Nothing could bring a way around it as Oedipus had hoped. The tone of his voice declares the true feeling he has about what happened. He is angry at himself because he was the one who brought this on. Oedipus even hits his chest when he is referring to himself to show this. Also, he reaches out as if to demonstrate that he needs something to hold on to. Literally he may need something to hold on to because he is blind, but it also appears to mean that he needs someone to hold on to through this time. He does not know what will happen to him yet. He has some hope that Kreon will now put him into exile instead of just kill him.

In the other Oedipus video called, “Oedipus the King” starring Christopher Plummer part 12 of 14, an importance appears to be attached to the sadness of the people and Oedipus because of his actions. Oedipus is seen with scratched out eyes because the prophecy was fulfilled, and he could not bear to see his own face. His mother and wife, children, and he are now punished for his actions. He thinks that he deserves nothing more than to have died when he was supposed to as a child. A few of the people, seen to be as in the chorus, turn away. They look away from Oedipus, whether it is sadness or pain as the reason when he comes out of the palace. Also, once he comes out he is seemingly forced to come out away from the shadows. This may be symbolic as to Oedipus having to come out away from the past of what had occurred. It was when the sunlight hit him that it appeared that what had actually happened came to light.

Also, when the chorus surrounds Oedipus they put their staffs out. It was like they did not want to have Oedipus touch them. He had to keep his distance like he is trapped inside a gate. This gate is one that keeps him from the so- called normal people he had once been with. This, in a way, belittles him. He is the same person he was, but now they know a little more about him. That part of the video depicts this which is somewhat different in respects to the other video.

The chorus appears much differently by the different views. The chorus in the first video seemed to have nothing to do with Oedipus while the chorus in the second seemed to push him away. He was like a plague to them instead of just a sad soul. The first chorus talks of his insanity and how such a thing could happen. In the second they turned away from Oedipus in a way that showed their sadness instead of just reality speaking through them. They were as people would normally act. Also, the way Oedipus is fully depicted shows this. In Oedipus the King starring Christopher Plummer you see a man who looks to be much like a normal person rather than in the other Oedipus is seen dripping in blood, down on his knees pleading.

In Hamlet Act3, Scene1 Soliloquy we see that Hamlet is questioning whether he is “to be or not to be”. He is psychologically distraught pondering back and forth between the possibilities. While speaking you notice that he is wearing black in a room with mirrors all surrounding. This seems to intensify that Hamlet cannot escape. Where ever he turns his father’s death will always haunt him until he seeks revenge. He feels heartache from this. His father had no redemption and now must seek the consequences in the afterlife. Due to all of this, Hamlet questions whether he should commit suicide. He speaks of sleep you do not wake from that will take you away from such misery. When he pulls out a knife a picture of his father comes to mind. It is as if thoughts of his father would sway his decision one way or another. The tone of his voice represents his feelings of sadness and hatred, and the way that he is shown emphasizes this.

The interpretation of Fodor’s Hamlet depicts many different aspects that occur through thoughts such as what Hamlet experienced with suicide. In the beginning a tape recorder is used to seemingly preserve his words. The words spoken will not be heard again just as his life will not be lived again. Also, it indicates the differences in the views of people. The man’s eyes are brought to your attention. They wander showing despair and a sense of being lost. He pauses before he speaks as with the purpose of gathering his thoughts. It looks like he does not want to admit his thoughts about death, and when death is mentioned it is like an affirmation to him. Death is something that seems so far off until you really consider it. You see the people in this video showed to be just as any other normal person. It makes you consider yourself to be in the position of that man. Each of them go by and kiss the dead body appearing to be a sign of farewell that cannot be taken back. In the end one very important action is made. This is when the girl goes to kiss the body, but it turns out to be the body of the man that has been speaking his thoughts. There is only one thing different. He opens his eyes as if awakening from a sleep. The creator brought this to light in a way that makes it known that you have a choice. This man’s realization stopped him from the drastic measures that could have been taken.

These two interpretations of the thoughts Hamlet had of suicide depict clearly the differences a mind can have. Each person has their own thoughts. In the first video it is mainly based on what Hamlet was really thinking. It showed Hamlet torn between the catacombs of his mind. He wanted to let go of the heartache, but first he must seek revenge. In Fodor’s we see it as a key into our minds as individuals. The way it showed each person being different made you feel a part of it. It makes you clearly understand what goes through the mind of an individual who has been put through so much. Also, the mirrors show that Hamlet cannot pretend for himself. He is thinking what he is and must get it off his chest. There is no secret as to what he wishes to happen. With the tape recorder though, you see how this anonymous man hesitates in proclaiming the thoughts he has afraid to declare it to himself and others.