Lady Macbeth Comparison Essay

Macbeth, an engrossing tragedy with themes of ambition, violence, power and fate, is a controversial Shakespearean play that can be interpreted in many different ways. Such controversy and interpretation has led to the development of many adaptations of the popular play which each express independent views on different aspects of the play, such as the portrayal of the significant character, Lady Macbeth. The representation of her major role in various film recreations such as Rupert Goold’s or Justin Kurzel’s movies differentiate immensely. In each separate adaptation of Shakespeare 's famous play, is Lady Macbeth an ambitious and evil woman conscious of her crimes and their possible repercussions or is she a burdened victim of fate? However, in any …show more content…
This comparison of two alternates films regarding the tale of Macbeth will expose Lady Macbeth’s true sinister nature beneath her many faces.

The debate of Lady Macbeth 's pivotal role in the play begins in Act 1 Scene 5, when she receives a letter; informing her of Macbeth’s encounter with the witches and his recently acquired title, Thane of Cawdor. This momentous scene signifies the beginning of Lady Macbeth’s depiction as the manipulator. During her soliloquy, Lady Macbeth quickly and cunningly reveals her ambitious intentions and analyses Macbeth’s nature; immediately fearing he is too decent to murder King Duncan to obtain the ‘golden round’. The interpretation in Rupert Goold’s 2010 film casts literal shadows across the face of Lady Macbeth in the dim chambers of a castle as howling wind reflects the mysterious emotions and themes of the scene. Similar to this, Justin Kurzel interpreted this scene in a gloomy, candle-lit church however depicted Lady Macbeth as less intimidating. A major distinction