Word of the Day
Modicum (n., MOHD-ih-kuhm)
A tiny amount of something. Not even like the size of a eyedropper. We're talking tiny tiny, like unable to be seen tiny.
Gif of the Day
AnimalsDogsMonkeysGet back here!Runaway trainL'enfant terrible?
Link of the Day
To be, or not to be (Hamlet) performed by Andrew Scott
A few days ago, Karen Swallow Prior tweeted about a new version of the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy from Hamlet performed by Andrew Scott. Scott is a terrific actor, best known for portraying Moriarty on BBC's Sherlock, and his version of the speech is deeply emotional:
As some of Prior's followers noted, there have been a lot of great actors who have done this speech, each with a different twist. Even just on film, the readings are varied but find something new each time. Consider how Scott's portrayal differs from Kenneth Branagh's austere, tight portrayal:
Or Mel Gibson's performance as a man almost slipping into madness:
Perhaps the most famous screen Hamlet is Laurence Olivier, who delivered a somewhat clinical version that's still compelling (kids, take notes on developing your speaking voice):
Or, finally, from the contemporary Hamlet, watch as the scenery around Ethan Hawke wonderfully underlines the themes of the play and the moment (kids, these were called VHS tapes, and they contained movies. You could rent them from a store called Blockbuster):
There are countless other versions online and in history. Scott's portrayal is unnerving because of how personal it is. The other versions provide contrast for it to come into focus.
HamletTo Be or Not To BeAndrew ScottGet into the mindActing.Paging Jack Benny?