One of my students saw part of the Olivier Hamlet last night, and was very indignant that Gertrude didn't drink the poison.

????????

She most certainly does. I watched that part myself last night. In fact, the interpretation in that version is that Gertrude figures out that the wine is poisoned and drinks it anyway, presumably to escape the horrors of the events she's stuck in. Also known as the Marge Simpson interpretation.

Gertrude didn't drink the poison.

Now I know I haven't seen that version, because I would have howled, too. I have seen Olivier's Lear and Henry V, though. Hmmm.

most of my seniors are convinced that Hamlet is totally in love with Horatio, and dissed Ophelia because of the Big Gay Love.

Huh. I can see the subtext the other way around, but I can't see Hamlet being in love with anyone, including himself.

You'd think I'd be bothered by the hideous image, but my enjoyment of their freakedoutedness outweighs my own personal revulsion. I'm twisted like that.

Well, it's fun to watch teens freak out.

I just finished the Arden version of Macbeth (script), and I continue to be amusedly puzzled by the scholarly tendency toward... I'm not sure, but there are a lot of assumptions made in the Ardens about their audience. Not to mention the fact that I never quite get the feeling that their Shakespeare is meant to be performed. I still learned a lot from it, though.

Hmm. I haven't seen the Olivier version. Maybe the student got up to get a soda and missed it.

I HAVE shown them the Simpson's version of Hamlet. It's...pretty spot-on.

"Nobody out-crazies Ophelia!"

I hate the Olivier Hamlet and always will.

I was aghast at Laertes' performance at Ophelia's graveside. Out of all the ways he could have played the distress over his sister's ignominious burial and his confrontation with Hamelt, the actor chose half-assed wankery.

I HATE JOB HUNTING!!!

Ahem... sorry for the yell. I just hate the waiting part of job hunting. I'm still up for a job at a great school with the possibility of being the speech coach. Which I would love. I hate waiting to hear.

For my summer job, I submitted an application to a temp agency online on Monday, they called yesterday, I went in for an interview today, and they're already submitting me for a job that would be perfect for the whole summer. Office manager covering for a maternity leave. It's decent enough pay to cover my expenses for the summer.

Now, however, I feel the need to watch the Gayest Hamlet Ever for the humor factor.

I feel the need to watch the Gayest Hamlet Ever for the humor factor.

One word, ChiKat -- codpieces.

One word, ChiKat -- codpieces.

Niiiiice.

Speaking of interviews, I need clothes advice.

I have no business formal clothes for interviewing in that fit right now. Can I get by with a nice pair of lightweight pants and a summery blouse? Do shoes matter? I've got a pair of off-white Skechers that go very nicely with the pants, but nothing dressier in summer colors. I'm thinking make-up and dressier jewelry will help bring the look into the professional realm.

Can I get by with a nice pair of lightweight pants and a summery blouse?

Probably. If you're interviewing somewhere more corporate, you might want to add a jacket that matches the pants.

Do shoes matter?

Yes. I would say you need something nicer than skechers. You could find some good flats at Payless that would probably work.