Macbeth Analysis Macbeth, the shortest tragedy in William Shakespeare's collection, is a brilliantly written play. In Macbeth's early years, he was a loyal Thane of Glamis. A visit to the three witches prove to be a turning point in his life. They each tell the next point in his life, first the Thane of Glamis, then the Thane of Cawdor, and finally "Hail King Macbeth." This strikes him with interest, but his good friend Banquo looks on the situation with doubt. Macbeth quickly makes the best of this opportunity. King Duncan is slain by Lady Macbeth and himself, and the two accused guards. Now that he is king, Macbeth vows to move on and live a noble life. His intentions are soon diminished as he finds his friend Banquo as an obstacle. Banquo is killed, but his son Fleance luckily escapes. After many years of a prosperous kingdom, Macbeth's reign begins to fall.
Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.
English: Poster of Thos. W. Keene in William Shake...
The English actor Charles Kean as William Shakespe...His loyal people begin to revolt against him and loose all respect for him. The final showdown between Macbeth and Macduff proves to be the end for Macbeth, he is killed and Malcolm is named king.
Macbeth was always a noble, loyal man. The thought that he could actually be king enthralled his whole thoughts and dreams. The two major factors into his eventual insanity are the witches and his wife. Before Macbeth met the witches, he lived a happy life, noble and true. After the meeting occurred, his mind started to drift towards the thought of murder. With Duncan coming to stay in his castle, it seemed to be a perfect time to perform this duty. But Macbeth's mind came back to reality once again. If it wasn't for the second factor into his eventual insanity, his wife, he would have never gone through with it. Once she challenged his "manhood", he almost insisted that Duncan be murdered. From the moment Duncan is murdered, you can see how Macbeth slowly sinks into insanity. Just by him killing the guards, and then his speech afterwards, you could tell just how paranoid he actually was. From that moment on, he never thought twice about his next murder. Even his best friend Banquo was killed just because he suspected Macbeth of the wrongdoings. Murder after murder, his insanity grew, he was looking for someone to kill by that point. It got so bad that even after his own wife jumped out of the castle and died, he paid no attention to it. The actor played a very good Macbeth, he showed each and every emotion just how it was written. You can see how his mind is wondering, how his paranoia is present in each reaction. The actor also showed good anger once he is king, and he wants things done his way.
Lady Macbeth was born to be a man. Since god did not give her this gift, her thoughts and ideas are seen through Macbeth. When the idea if murdering Duncan comes to mind, she jumps all over the chance. She is so relentless to get what she wants, that when Macbeth was reconsidering, she challenged his manhood. This sounds just like something she would do, always getting her way. Her reason for Macbeth to take the throne is not clear, she likes power, but once he was king, she was more of a babysitter. It seems like they were both way happier before all of these incidents. At the end of the movie, she is fed up with her new life, so she decides to end it. Lady Macbeth's character was played well also. Her traits were portrayed perfect, the evil but beautiful woman that she is. No one ever suspects that she was behind the murder of Duncan, and that a woman could have such feelings.
The loyal friend of Macbeth, Banquo is a brave and ambitious man. Although a good friend to Macbeth, he suspects him of the murder. He says that his loyalty is devoted to the king. Banquo is the type of man that you want to head your army or even a whole kingdom. His loyalty and truthfulness are evident throughout the whole movie. The character may have played him too well, he seems a little too distrust towards Macbeth. They have been friends for years, and his trust cannot be lost that easily.
Although Macduff's part is small in the movie, it is an overall huge part at the end. He was not born of woman, which Macbeth does not know. The final showdown proves that Macduff's anger wins over Macbeth's lust for killing. After Macbeth was slain, Macduff happily crowned Malcolm and could get back to a regular life. You would think that after a man's family has been murdered he would come out a little bit angrier, the actor could have shown a little more emotion. Macduff's character is not shown too many times in the movie, the final scene is the most active throughout.
Hail the new King Malcolm! Just as Macduff, Malcolm does not serve a huge part in the movie, but is a huge figure overall. He also distrust Macbeth, and wishes to take over the crown. Normal life is restored after Macbeth's death, and he rules with pride and integrity. Just as Macduff's actor, he does not have too many scenes. He seems to act like a nobleman and talk proper.
The production of the movie was an overall success. Although it was made many years ago, it was still very good. The costumes matched the times perfect. The king is always known for wearing a robe and a crown, and Macbeth always wore that. There was only one big action scene, at the very end. I enjoyed watching it, my heart was racing the whole time. Although the ending was clear, you still feel the adrenaline pumping. If you want to learn more about Macbeth, this is a perfect movie to watch. After seeing it, your knowledge of Macbeth could double easily. Even if your intentions are just for pure enjoyment, Macbeth fits all your needs.
Macbeth and Banquo with the Witches by Henry Fusel...
Erskine Sanford as King Duncan with Roddy McDowall...
Macduff (Macbeth)