Macbeth | |
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DVD cover
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Written by | William Shakespeare (original play) |
Directed by | Rupert Goold |
Starring |
Patrick Stewart Kate Fleetwood |
Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Original language(s) | English |
Production | |
Executive producer(s) | Mark Bell David Horn |
Producer(s) |
Sebastian Grant John Wyver |
Cinematography | Sam McCurdy |
Editor(s) | Trevor Waite |
Running time | 160 minutes |
Release | |
Original network | BBC Four |
First shown in | 2010 |
The 2010 television version of Macbeth was broadcast on BBC Four on 12 December 2010. It was directed by Rupert Goold from his stage adaptation for the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2007. It starred Patrick Stewart in the title role, with Kate Fleetwood as Lady Macbeth. The film specifically evokes the atmosphere of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, with subtle parallels between Stalin 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. The film was filmed entirely on location at Welbeck Abbey.
Principal cast:
The film won a Peabody Award for 2010. In addition, Patrick Stewart was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries.