Macbeth Vs Play

Shakespeare’s tragedies have been studied and recreated time after time in the 400 years since his career. However, through this time, it has become increasingly difficult to keep students engaged with interpretations of decent relevance and relatability. Magnus Cross discusses the magnificent adaptation of Macbeth by Mark Brozel and its importance in today’s English education.

In 2005, Mark Brozel directed the second episode of the 4-part television series ShakespeaRe-told. Along with actors James McAvoy and Keeley Hawes, he created the episode creatively titled Macbeth. While the film may seem simple at first, the modern setting and deep, underlying themes make for a perfect interpretation.

Many recreations of “The Scottish Play” star Macbeth,

However, the screenwriter Peter Moffat has maintained many of the main underlying themes of the original play.

Joe Macbeth’s lack of sleep following the murder of his former head chef Duncan Docherty is caused by his overwhelming guilt, similar to the “QUOTE” present in the play. Just as in the play, Moffat and Brozel toy with human ambition as the leading factor for Duncan’s death.

The film is as symbolic as the original, allowing for deep analysis by students studying the film. The ongoing symbol of the film, similar to the play, is blood, as Keely Hawes’ character Ella Macbeth repeats the “little water will clear us of this deed” (II,ii,) quote from Macbeth. Symbols of light and dark are also present in the film, with lighting of the kitchen being greatly darker in the death scene of Joe Macbeth.

Characterisation is vastly different in the film when compared to the play. This, however, is done so as to make more sense to a modern

Billy Banquo has much more screen time in the film than others, and is seen as a much closer friend. This not only makes the friendship and betrayal more impactful, but involves a close friendship that most teenagers can relate to.

For a simple mention in Macbeth of Lady Macbeth’s “babe that milks me” (I,vii,55), Brozel has taken it much further. While it may have been no big deal back in medieval times as the mortality rate in infants was so high, the death of Joe and Ella’s child soon before the events of the film adds great depth to the characters’ motives and attitudes. This tragedy creates sympathy in all audiences, including adolescents, as well as having more to discuss and analyse.

ShakespeaRe-told: Macbeth is a wonderfully written and directed film, with both James McAvoy and Keeley Hawes acting with mastery. The film is both entertaining to watch, detailed enough for discerning analysis, and connects with adolescents effectively. It is obvious that this is the best interpretation for English teachers across