Hedda Gabler – Ismael Ramirez

In the play for Hedda Gabler there is very little room for interpretation with so much being written as far as describing how the set looks and the movements of the characters. With so much detail in the play of how the character is so supposed to move and what he is suppose to say it is quite easy to get an image of how the character where to look and act if it were to be adapted in to film. When watching the film small details that do not follow the text can be spotted such as changes in the lay out of the set. These are very small changes that does not seem to take away from the story, but there are some acting choices that when reading the play you envisioned a certain way but was acted differently that sometimes strengthens the idea you have a particular character. For example the relationship between Tesman and his aunt Miss Juliane Tesman when reading it in the beginning I interpreted their first official reunion to be one in which Tesman was not so happy, because he in the text it gives the directions of Tesman “shaking his aunts hands” which gives out in impression of being cold and informal but in the movie he greets her with open arms and a kiss hello. With this small change of direction for me it changed the entire relationship between the two to be one of genuine love instead of this confused vision that i had of him being concerned for his aunt and not to thrilled with her being there. Another action change that although subtle gives a bigger impact than words is when the first meeting between Aunt Tesman and Hedda with Tesman present in the text both Tesman and his aunt are speaking about Hedda and how fortunate he feels about his marriage and he see Hedda coming from afar and acknowledges her presence. While in the film when Hedda is coming down the stairs and she sees Tesman and his aunt she attempts to walk in a different direction but is seen by Aunt Julie and is obligated to make conversation with them. This change in direction here strengthens the image of dislike or discomfort that Hedda has towards Aunt Julie and it shoes how a small change in direction can enhance the text.

One thought on “Hedda Gabler – Ismael Ramirez

  1. Nice attention to the small details that change the way we view the characters and their situations! I agree with you that Ibsen has provided very detailed instructions that don’t leave too much to the imaginations of directors or set designers. Why do you think that is?

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