Intro Paragraph: Seems

"'Seems', madam? Nay, it is. I know not 'seems.'" (1.2.76). In Shakespeare's Hamlet, during Act 1 Scene 2, Hamlet's mother questions why Hamlet is so distressed and depressed from his father's death, when in actuality, death is common. The prince's response can be viewed differently; In films, Kenneth Branagh, BBC, and Mel Gibson portray Hamlet's various reactions through tone, impulsive visual reaction, and ????. In Branagh's, Hamlet emphasizes the word "seems", and using a soft voice, illustrates his anger and sadness. In BBC's, the word seems to agitate him, it also marks a transition from a sarcastic, detached attitude into one where it is obvious that he takes offense. In Gibson's, however, Hamlet responds sadly and softly; he is clearly hurt and in pain. Hamlet's response to his mother's cold-hearted question is interpreted differently in various films; these assorted reactions respectively imply not only Hamlet's feelings at the time, but also his feelings about his mother (and the king??).