Analysis of the Film Version of Macbeth Essay Example
Analysis of the Film Version of Macbeth Essay Example

Analysis of the Film Version of Macbeth Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
Topics:
  • Pages: 3 (553 words)
  • Published: September 19, 2017
  • Type: Film Analysis
View Entire Sample
Text preview

My focus is on the contemporary adaptation of Macbeth written by Shakespeare.

This play will examine the costumes, language, and setting. The director of this film has departed from the traditional Macbeth appearance and attire, opting instead for a modern take on the play. Unlike the usual depiction of Macbeth and his fellow male characters donning tight-fitting tunics and wielding swords, the director has chosen to outfit them in stylish black jackets and pants with crisp white shirts.

The modern image is reflected by this outfit, but when Macbeth is covered in Duncan's blood, the white shirt makes it seem worse by standing out. The white shirt will also become a memento of the evil he has committed as the blood stains it, creating a contrast between the clearness of white and the darkness of the red blood in his mind.

In the play, Macbeth, the

...

traditional swords have been replaced with modern handguns. Macbeth's constant readiness with a weapon may imply his willingness to commit murder. This represents the shift from old to more powerful eras in which the play is set. Lady Macbeth's modern-day attire accentuates her beauty and creates an innocent appearance, which contrasts with her dominant personality through which she exerts control over Macbeth.

Compared to Macbeth's dark suit, the light colours of the dress portray the character as innocent and good. Meanwhile, the witches wear predominantly dark colours with some white, highlighting their nearly pure evilness dominating any good within them. The script language remains largely unchanged from the original play, creating a contrast between modern-day and older times. Overall, the use of these techniques in the coursework effectively conveys the desired

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

themes.

Macbeth has internal thoughts in some parts of the play. Some directors choose to have Macbeth think out loud, while others opt for a voiceover. In this version, the director chose the latter option, which makes the thoughts more personal.

The audience is heavily impacted by important words, which assists in their comprehension of centuries-old language prevalent in the play. Despite being set in an older era, modern settings and props are used in a vast warehouse instead of old castles. This signifies that power struggles, such as those witnessed within the play's royal ranks, are commonplace in everyday life, particularly within organized crime groups. Society is subject to a cyclical battle for power and status.

Instead of the old-fashioned log fire, the witches are now gathered around a flaming oil drum. The flames were the only source of color in scenes featuring the witches, drawing attention to the fire and making it stand out. The darkness surrounding the witches and Macbeth suggests that they are evil and likely to align with sinister forces. Dark colors are commonly associated with harmful things, and Macbeth's frequent appearances in dark settings could indicate that he is willing to harm anyone who impedes his progress, such as Duncan.

In my opinion, witches are often depicted in a negative light because they are considered supernatural beings. This is reflected in their appearance and surroundings, which are typically black and grey. Shakespeare would likely have appreciated this portrayal of Macbeth as an evil and sinister character. Personally, I found the combination of these elements to be effective in creating a well-rounded portrait of Macbeth.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New