The Supernatural
The ghost of Hamlet's father is perhaps the most important image of the supernatural in this film. The ghost is present at the beginning of the film, and primarily represents Hamlet's guilt. The presence of the ghost has often been cited as a sign of Hamlet's madness, which becomes more apparent later in the film. This is often the case in Shakespearean adaptions, where the imagery of the supernatural is connected to the imagery of madness. The image of a wandering spirit also suggests the unjust nature of Hamlet's father's death, as he was wrongfully murdered by Claudius.
Death
The presence of death is powerful in the film, with the skull being the most powerful representation. This significant prop in the film provides an image of death, decay, and meaninglessness, illustrating the film's key themes. The skull is a physical image of the uselessness of humans after they have died, and is a powerful reminder of what is to come. The skull makes Hamlet consider what his own fate is, and what is his purpose in life.
Flowers
When Ophelia becomes mad, she is holding flowers. The flowers suggest her innocence and her connection to nature, as well as wilting life. She feels a strong sense of sadness and grief after the death of her father, and the impermanence of flowers seems a fitting image of this. Like Ophelia, the flowers are beautiful and innocent, but also transient.
