Compare and Contrast the Film Versions Of Henry V

Authors Avatar

Media Assignment;

Compare and Contrast  the Film Versions Of Henry V

In this essay y, I am going to compare and contrast the two moving image media versions of Henry V, by William Shakespeare. One is by Lawrence Olivier and the other by Kenneth Branagh. The Olivier version was produced in 1944 and the Branagh version in 1989. These are unusual because both of the directors starred as the title role, Henry in their films as well as producing them. In this, I am going to analyse the acting, lighting, costumes, setting, and sound effects. They have many differences but the similarities are constant.

        

In the Branagh version the acting is very reserved but much more realistic. The actors have made it seem like you are there unlike the Olivier version where the have a lot of over exaggeration. The actors in the Olivier version do this because of the setting and the costumes. It is not meant to be set in the exact location where it would have happened. They are trying to show it, as it would have been done in Shakespeare’s day. They have a lot of movement with slapstick comedy from the archbishop’s assistant dropping the papers that his master needs. The parts where they show behind the scenes are humorous, with actors going onto stage, but then being called back to collect the hat they had forgotten. One of the characters knocks off his hat by accident then when coming onto the stage realises, pats his head, and looks altogether bemused. This is a total opposite from the Branagh version where they are very solemn, and serious. The actors have recreated how it would have been if you where at the event. They enter showing great respect from the king and his associates. Henry shows a great deal of power, control, and fearlessness. He is greatly angered by the Dauphins present but never takes his eyes away from the messenger, this coveys that he has supreme power. His anger is not shown and this is more frightful towards the French messenger than anything is. He does not shout but speaks in calm tones when, all around him sense the great anger. In the Olivier version the king gets angry, and shows it. He did not seem powerful or serious, more annoyed than angry.

Join now!

In both of these, the chorus is present but played in different ways. The chorus in the Olivier version is as important as ever because the cannot show all the things they would like. It plays the same role, as the one in Shakespeare’s time would have. In the Branagh version the chorus is there for affect and not to server a real purpose.

In the Olivier version the setting is the Globe Theatre, where they would have performed the play. This is an unusual setting because normally they would show you how it would have ...

This is a preview of the whole essay