Hamlet is a play that allows the actor to show his true potential. Through the understanding of the characters' situations and actions he can make inferences on their personality. These inferences reflect the interpretation of the character. In these two videos we can see interpretations of Hamlet in two different stages on the play. This explains why there is such a great difference in the way each represents him but also, it reveals details of the interpretation they have of him.
Here Hamlet has a more violent and active attitude towards his situation. He now wants to prove his uncle really killed his father. This scene shows the process that leads him to use the play as the mean to achieve this. His gestures and way of acting through the stage resemble those of a mad man. Two elements used here exemplify this. First, the moment when he destroys the camera to ensure he is alone. The play clearly does not clarify how he does this. Hamlet only says: "Now I am alone" (Act 2 Scene 2 Line 549). The way he violently takes the camera and throws it on the ground shows the state of mind that the actor believes Hamlet is in. In this interpretation, emotions control Hamlet into bursts of rage that continue throughout the soliloquy. Although there are moments of reflection, these only serve to highlight the burst of emotions that precede or follow them. The second element is the way he glances directly at the camera. In these moments he looks at the camera as if asking for answers to his questions to the public. Although this does not mean he breaks the fourth wall, it does effectively portray his desperate need for answers. As you saw once he found an answer and took a decision with he leaves that room of meditation. Combining these two key elements that the actor uses, we can state his interpretation of the character. This is a desperate Hamlet whose emotions have taken control of him to the point where we doubt of his sanity.
The Hamlet here contrasts greatly with his other version. The news of his mother marrying his uncle so soon shocks him greatly. Even if these actions tempt him to take action, he continues to maintain control over his feelings. The actor portrays this internal conflict in his own way. When he talks, he turns around as if to face himself. This shows that the character seeks answers within. His final sentences shows his decision and the it is said, reflects the actors interpretation. In this case, he takes it with a tone of frustration. This shows how he disagrees strongly with this decision but is forced to take it quietly as he knows his opinions will not be taken into account. In general the body language of the actor shows this frustration and makes a clear statement of Hamlet at that point. His mother's decision infuriates him, but he knows any actions against it from his part will only aggravate the situation. This frustrates him greatly not only because of his powerlessness but also because he is forced to look for answers in himself.
Because these two scenes are situated at different moments during the play, one could argue these differences in interpretation originate from the changes Hamlet undergoes throughout the play. Still, some very general notions about the character's personality remain intact. Like the fact that the first Hamlet is much more unstable than the second one. This means that the second version is likely to only break the social conventions instilled in him under specific circumstances of great stress. Meanwhile the first version will only need a small push to obtain the same results. This in conjunction with all the other minor differences make it hard to believe both are representations of the same character.
