Macbeth is a 2010 television film based on William Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name. It was broadcast on BBC Four on 12 December 2010. In the United States, it aired on PBS' Great Performances. It was directed by Rupert Goold from his stage adaptation for the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2007. Patrick Stewart is featured in the title role, with Kate Fleetwood as Lady Macbeth.

Macbeth
DVD cover
Written byWilliam Shakespeare (original play)
Directed byRupert Goold
StarringPatrick Stewart
Kate Fleetwood
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersMark Bell
David Horn
ProducersSebastian Grant
John Wyver
CinematographySam McCurdy
EditorTrevor Waite
Running time160 minutes
Original release
NetworkBBC Four

Premise

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The film is a more modern re-imagining of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. It evokes the atmosphere of Romania in the 1960s, with parallels between Ceaușescu 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.

Cast

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Principal cast:[1]

Production

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The film was shot entirely on location at Welbeck Abbey.

Awards

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Patrick Stewart at the 71st Annual Peabody Awards

Macbeth won a Peabody Award in 2010.[2] 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.

References

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  1. ^ Radio Times 11–17 December 2010
  2. ^ COMPLETE LIST OF RECIPIENTS OF THE 70th ANNUAL PEABODY AWARDS Archived 1 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine from peabody.uga.edu
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