Assignment+Three

Lawrence Olivier directed his version of the play in 1944 after World War Two. The scenes shown were very colorful, and the costumes were lively. The atmosphere even seemed more lively: it was midday and sunny. Every aspect of Olivier's version seemed to be more upbeat than Kenneth Branagh's. The French seemed more cocky; they even used a crane to drop their knight onto his horse. The English seem ready to fight, even if they know they may not win. The servants attended to the knights heavily, paying attention to their every move and bowing frequently, and the messenger sent to the English camp was announced by trumpets and was accompanied by other people. He dismounts his horse and speaks to King Henry from below while King Henry remains on his horse to show his authority. Kenneth Branagh's version of the play was directed in 1989 after the Falklands War and was much more dramatic. The atmosphere was bleak and dreary. It was clearly cold, and the sky was grey. Even the costumes are dismal; they are colorless and lack most of the armor needed to fight in a war. It is especially evident that the English have been suffering because of the clothing chosen. Only King Henry wears colored garments. The French were hostile and aggressive. They seemed more vicious than the French in Olivier's version. This time, when the messenger addresses the king, he is accompanied by nobody and is unannounced. He also stays on his horse and addresses the king from above while King Henry stays afoot. King Henry's speech in Branagh's version is almost more sentimental and outreaching to his men. He knows that it is their last hope, and he tries desperately to encourage his men, because they seem sincerely worried about the fight. Branagh's version is definitely more dramatic than Olivier's version.