Rupert Goold's "Macbeth"

Rupert Goold's 2010 adaption of "Macbeth" brings Shakespeare's classic tragedy to the big screen with a modern twist, seamlessly blending the original dialogue with a contemporary setting. The film, starring Patrick Stewart as Macbeth and Kate Fleetwood as Lady Macbeth, is set in a gritty, war-torn landscape reminiscent of 20th-century dictatorships. This creative choice adds a chilling relevance to the timeless story of ambition, power, and madness.

Patrick Stewart delivers a mesmerizing performance, capturing Macbeth's descent from a valiant warrior to a paranoid tyrant with remarkable nuance. His portrayal is both commanding and deeply human, making the character's tragic fall all the more compelling. Kate Fleetwood's Lady Macbeth is equally powerful, embodying the ruthless ambition and eventual unraveling of Shakespeare's most infamous female character. The chemistry between Stewart and Fleetwood is electric, their interactions charges with intensity and emotion.

Goold's direction and the film's production design work hand in hand to create a dark and oppressive atmosphere. The use of claustrophobic interiors, stark lighting, and haunting visual effects contribute to the sense of foreboding that permeates the movie. The decision to incorporate elements of a modern totalitarian regime adds layers of meaning, drawing parallels between Macbeth's Scotland and contemporary authoritarian states, making the story's themes feel eerily relevant.

Overall, Rupert Goold's "Macbeth" is a masterful adaptation that honors the original play while beinging fresh perspectives and a visceral cinematic experience. Without standout performances, particularly from Patrick Stewart and Kate Fleetwood, and a compelling, atmospheric presentation, this film earns a rating of 5 out of 5 dotted quarter notes. It is a must-watch for both Shakespeare enthusiasts and those new to the Bard's work, offering a powerful and haunting portrayal of one of literature's greatest tragedies.

Macbeth is a 2010 television film based on William Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name. It was broadcast on BBC Four on 12 December 2010. In the United States, it aired on PBS' Great Performances. It was directed by Rupert Goold from his stage adaptation for the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2007.

The film is a more modern re-imagining of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. It evokes the atmosphere of Romania in the 1960s, with parallels between Ceaușescu and Macbeth in their equally brutal quests for power. The Three Witches likewise receive an update in keeping with the 20th century aesthetics, appearing as hospital nurses. Their presence is pervasive throughout the film, punctuating the horror of Macbeth's murderous reign.

Macbeth – Patrick Stewart

Lady Macbeth – Kate Fleetwood

Banquo – Martin Turner

Macduff – Michael Feast

Malcom – Scott Handy

Donalbain – Ben Carpenter

Duncan / Doctor – Paul Shelley

Lady Macduff – Kate Fleetwood

Lennox – Mark Rawlings

Ross – Tim Treloar

Angus – Bill Nash

Old Seyward / Murderer – Christopher Knott

The Porter – Christopher Patrick Nolan

Fleance – Bertie Gilbert