Macbeth Comparison

Macbeth Comparison

Do you ever think of one subject and then view it in various ways? William Shakespeare's play was adapted differently by Rupert Goold. Shakespeare’s play was based in 16th century Scotland, where Goold modernizes it by changing the setting to a soviet-styled country and putting modern elements into the characters and theme. Although Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Goold’s film share the same storyline, there is a difference in the setting, the characters, and the overall atmosphere in the story.

In an effort to relate to the plot, Goold places the setting in a militaristic, society-styled state. The setting environment helps contribute to an uneasiness atmosphere, felt throughout the entire movie. The costumes and characteristics also are in context with the setting. Shakespeare’s setting was 16th century scotland in Dunsinane Hill at Macbeth’s castle. Macbeth awaits for Malcolm’s troops. This story was also the only Shakespearean play that was set in Scotland which was based on the death of Queen Elizabeth’s death in 1603 and the crowning of King James IV only a few years before this was written. Even though both the movie and the play have different settings, they are easily portrayed the same way.

Although both versions have the same characters, some have been portrayed differently in each one. In Shakespeare’s version the three witches seem to be more superstitious. The way they talk is much more calmer and of a different time period. This depicts a usual picture of common witches; women dressed in black capes, hunched over and maybe even by a cauldron mixing a potion. In Goold’s version interpreted them a completely different way. The witches are shown as nurses from World War 1. Goold uses them as an example of gender roles as what women are expected to be in the time period now. Goold’s version has a much more acceptable significance than what Shakespeare had shown in his version.

Furthermore, both versions do have a different atmosphere set to them. Shakespeare shows Macbeth to ask for forgiveness when he gains power which shows he resigns his fate and is unsure of what is going to happen to him. This shows to make him more sensitive and emotional to his surroundings. Goold represents Macbeth in a modern way by comparing him to Hitler. This way shows power,