Shakespeare's Macbeth: Differences Between The Play And The Movie

Compare and Contrast Macbeth and Film Act 1 scene 1: The 3 witches recited a spell or curse right away instead of starting with the first line in the play, “When shall we meet again..” (Shakespeare, 302). The second version we watched was less dramatic than the 1948 movie.

The movie by Roman Polanski doesn’t follow completely the movie setting. For example the duel between Macbeth and Macduff had a humorous side. The acting of the Actors was not the best and it could have possibly been better. Shakespeare introduced Macbeth as a hero, but on the film the acting from the actor John Finch (Macbeth) did not reflect this trait on his character.

Caylee Penka Ms. Dodd English 12 May 3, 2023 Macbeth Scene Comparision Essay Every choice has a consequence, every action has a reaction, every cause has an effect. This ongoing cycle is made clear with the characters in William Shakespeare’s tragic play, Macbeth. Act V, scene i of Macbeth holds particular interest for the character Lady Macbeth and her dramatic change from who she is early in the play, to who she is by the end. The 2010 movie version of the play, directed by Rupert Goold, starring Patrick Stewart as Macbeth and Kate Fleetwood as Lady Macbeth, stays true to the story even with differing artistic choices.

In most novel to film adaptations, directors will often change certain elements of the work for the movie to move at a different pace. These changes may range from the main character’s hair colour to larger transformations like an important character being left out. In the case of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the largest difference from the play to film was the role of Ross. In the film adaptation of Macbeth, Ross is a developed and crucial character to the plot. This is shown through his involvement in Macbeth’s schemes, relationship with Macbeth, and loyalty to power in Scotland.

Although as the theme of the play demonstrates, appearance is not always what is seems and this, can be clearly seen through lady Macbeth’s character change from before being crowned queen and after being crowned queen. From the very beginning Lady Macbeth is portrayed evil, which is an overview that the audience see, but the bigger picture is often not looked at. When Lady Macbeth performs her soliloquy to call on the spirits to, “Come, spirits that tend on mortal thoughts /unsex me here,” (Act 1, scene 5, line 38-39). Another interpretation of this soliloquy is that she actually needs the help of spirits to make her stronger. If she already were cruel and evil, she would not need to take the help of spirits to “ unsex her” which signifies her willing to loose her female personality and gaining strength and courage in return.

PBS’ version of Macbeth is an exceptional adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. The setting, the actor’s interpretations, and the unique take on the witches all came together to make a memorable film. The first aspect that makes this adaptation stand out is the setting. This version of Macbeth takes place in World War II, and it works perfectly with the original script. The dark lighting and the gruesome images around the actors help to portray the dark mood to the viewers.

Different Cinematic Portrayals of Macbeth Not only has Shakespeare’s, Macbeth, been told through page but also through the theater, opera, and the magic of Hollywood. Many writers have attempted to bring Shakespeare to audiences many a times with new settings set throughout time. There are a plethora of adaptations of Macbeth, some brilliantly made, others that weirdly work, and some that just should have never been allowed to have been made but there is no doubt that each one allows the viewer to dive into William Shakespeare 's original story. One of the most unconventional versions of Macbeth would be the 2006 film, Macbeth, created by Geoffrey Wright.

Through Lady Macbeth’s change from ruthless and masculin to insane, Shakespeare illustrates the impact of murder. Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth as masculine, and ruthless in order to illustrate unmerciful cruelty. Just after Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth about his encounter with the three witches, Lady Macbeth prayed to be stripped of any emotions. She prayed to be unsexed which doing so she would have no grieve, guilt, or regret towards killing King Duncan.

Just because it is the same story, that does not mean it has to be told the same way. The play Macbeth is seen how Shakespeare intended it to be played. Since the play was written there have been many other versions of Macbeth. In the film Macbeth, Kurzel depicts aspects of the play into the film, but he changes many things about the characters and the setting.

“Come, you spirits, That tend on mortal thoughts,/unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full/ Of dire cruelty” (1.5.41-44). Lady Macbeth is the personification of male dominance, ruthlessness and violence. She hopes that she could take control of all action. She yearns to be a man and her implication is that she is more masculine than Macbeth. Her drive and violent nature is more akin to men and their masculinity.

Shakespeare Macbeth's final act starts as Lady Macbeth enters a trance with a candle in her hand. She seems to see blood on her hands and claims that nothing will ever wash it off. She leaves, and the doctor and gentlewoman marvel at her descent into madness. As Rupert Goold and Joel Coen's adaptations of Shakespeare's Macbeth are filmed in various ways despite being based upon the same play. As Rupert Goold 2010 portrays Act 5 scene 1 version of Macbeth Rupert Goold uses a big dark room with shadows and an ominous elevator to give the setting an unsettling tone.

Shakespeare's portrayal of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is very different, even though it may seem like they are more similar on the surface. At first glance, it looks like they are only two murderers who were corrupted by power and both became insane in the end. However, the audience’s reaction to them is not similar at all. This is because no matter how similar they appear, their characters are as different as night and day.

Filmed in 1998, the made for TV movie “Macbeth” tells the story of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”. They take a more modern spin on the old play by keeping the story the same but, changing their outfits, the time frame as well as the scenes. The movie keeps close to the roots of the play by continuing to use the play's original script so the movie is spoken in old English. However; as it was filmed close to nineteen years ago the movie is quite outdated for 2017. Leaving me quite bored and, wishing for more at the end of the film.

Ana Rangel 2/27/17 Period 3 Comparison Essay The play, “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” by William Shakespeare has many differences in the setting than the movie, “Throne of Blood,” directed by Akira Kurosawa. There are many noticeable differences in the play and movie which make the plot different from one another. Macbeth and Throne of Blood are the same story, but different setting.

Celia Beyers Tinti Period 1/5 12 April 2015 Literary Analysis: Macbeth In Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, he presents the character of Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is shown, as a character that schemes into making rebellious plots. She reveals the desire for wanting to lose her feminine qualities in order to be able to gain more masculine ones.