Thursday, May 18, 2023

 

Today’s Totally Random Line(s)

           

I think it be no other but e’en so:

Well may it sort, that this portentous figure

Comes armed through our watch; so like the king

That was and is the question of these wars.

 

Bernardo

Hamlet                            Act I, Scene i, Line 111

 

Remember, we’re on the parapet, or actually, A platform before the castle (is that the parapet?). Anyway, these guys are on watch duty and the ghost of the recently deceased King Hamlet had just appeared to them. As they get over the shock, Marcellus asks Horatio why the country seems like it’s preparing for war. The latter tells him that it’s because young Fortinbras of Norway is rumored to be getting ready to come and take back land that his father lost to the aforementioned King Hamlet. Bernardo responds with today’s lines, agreeing that this must be the case. Well may it sort, is just well may it be.

There’s only one problem here: I recently watched Branagh’s four hour movie production of Hamlet, and Jack Lemon played one of these guards. Now don’t get me wrong, Jack Lemon was a fine actor. But he is so terribly out of place and mismatched for this role. There’s just no way I can get Jack Lemon’s face out of my mind when thinking about this scene. This scene has been ruined for me by Jack Lemon.

Ohh, what a sad, sad state of affairs! Damn that Jack Lemon!




2 comments:

Squeaks said...

Maybe you need to think of an actor that WOULD fit in the role and then meditate and imagine that new actor in the role. And it would replace the lemon in your mind.

Pete Blagys said...

That is a really good idea. I'll get back to you on that.

  Today’s Totally Random Lines                  How, my lord! What cheer? How is’t with you, best brother? Polixenes The Winter’s ...