Macbeth Re-imagined on Screen: The Cinematic Adaption of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the 2021 Movie

Abstract

Shakespeare’s plays have been adapted for as long as there have been plays by Shakespeare. Throughout several centuries, the literary works produced by this writer have consistently held a prominent position within the realm of academic studies. Moreover, these works have inspired numerous adaptations and imitations across various mediums, garnering significant attention from the general public and scholars alike. The results of William Shakespeare have garnered considerable popularity, leading to extensive scholarly discourse, including a wide range of subjects. These talks span from analyzing the overarching themes in his plays to examining the value of specific lines uttered by the characters. Furthermore, these scholarly conversations have extended into the domain of Shakespeare adaptations. The current investigation centers on the film The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021), an American rendition of Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy Macbeth (1606). The works of William Shakespeare have been rendered into movie adaptations in numerous cultures worldwide. These adaptations prioritize various facets of the original texts and generate new films, occasionally incorporating Shakespearean characteristics. While the plots, locales, and dates of Shakespeare’s dramas may vary, they effectively broaden the accessibility of his works to diverse audiences across various cultural contexts. However, the film draws connections between the situations and events in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth with a distinct and innovative approach characterized by a predominantly black screen. Similar to the theatrical works of Shakespeare, these films possess qualities that need critical analysis. A comprehensive examination of these adaptations, in connection to the original literary works, has the potential to unveil numerous novel critical views.