The Film: "Henry V"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the modern, cinematic environment created by director Kenneth Branagh in his film "Henry V", juxtaposes the poetic language of Elizabethan theater with the visual language of film. The author points out that Branagh's plea for cinematic tolerance is especially apt because "Henry V" is a rather obscure film for an American or even European audience, less likely to be informed and interested in why England fought with France over a little patch of land, long ago. The paper describes the valid historicity of the film, the colors used, the techniques of warfare deployed, its Elizabethan language and modern cinematic techniques and looks at how they are all used used effectively to make this film a successful interpretation of Shakespeare's play.

From the Paper:

"The camera work in the princess scene is especially quick and fleeting, as it follows the princess throughout the castle. Although the camera occasionally becomes anchored to Henry's face during a soliloquy, overall, the camera is a kind of peripatetic actor throughout most of "Henry V". The camera follows the horses as they gallop over the field of battle, wildly. The common soldiers on the ground, as when they are storming the castle walls of the city are shown from the ground up. The camera whizzes by the viewer's eye as it pans through time and from France to England and back again..."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Henry V." Directed by Kenneth Branagh. 1989.
• "Henry V." Directed by Lawrence Oliver. 1944.
• Shakespeare, William. "Henry V." MIT Classics Page. [20 Nov 2006] <http://www-tech.mit.edu/Shakespeare/henryv/>

More papers on The Film: "Henry V":

• Essay # 85756 : "Henry V" and Commonors"
• Comparison Essay # 37427 : "Henry V"
• Comparison Essay # 117503 : "The Enemy in "Henry V" Films"

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