Macbeth Movie Essay

Kurzel’s adaptation of ‘Macbeth’ remains loyal and truthful to Shakespeare’s language and terminology, characters, setting and the plot. It is obvious that the director did not want to deviate from tradition. However, within the midst of the traditional, the film explores later ideas that have arisen in time such as the appearance of a dead child in the opening scene. Since the plays creation and debut on stage in the 17th century, theories and questions have been put forward by scholars as well as fans of Shakespeare outside of the academic field who have studied every detail of the playwright’s works. This film familiarises itself as well as engages with the wider scholarly world with the inclusion of what could have been the Macbeth’s child.

At the beginning of the film, the vast landscapes and open spaces left barren after the war demonstrate danger and uncertainty of what is to come. This is clear from the dark, cold and fogginess of the shot which gives off an unsettled and despairing atmosphere. There are also contrasts and parallels to be made between the Macbeth’s dwellings before and after the ‘worthy gentleman’ and ‘valiant cousin’(1.2) is crowned king. These distinguishes visually brings to life the rags to riches element of the play to the cinematic. As well as that, it emphasises the idea of epic that the film is portraying through the scenery of the settings, especially throughout the battle scenes. The setting of the interior of the castle used in the film is Ely Cathedral in Ely, Cambridgeshire. One of the areas used for filming within the cathedral was the Lady’s Chapel. This location demonstrates royalty and wealth, but also religion with the statue of Our Lady on the wall at the head of the room. Overall, the settings and staging bring authenticity and display what the world of ‘Macbeth’ would have looked like if the story was based from true events. The settings act as another character or life form within the film, which captures the mood and emotions of the characters within each scene. Most importantly, for anyone who is not familiar with the play, the settings and the production value really aid in translating the action of the story is a spectacular and cinematic