Download Geoffrey Wright qs Teresa

Macbeth Dir. Geoffrey Wright 2006
More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0434541
Complete answers in Word then email to me
The Witches (Act 1 Scene 1)
1. How does Wright convey a sense of chaos or anarchy at the
start of this scene?
Through the fight scene between Macbeths gang and the Asian
Gang to portray the violence and destruction.
2. What techniques does Wright use to create a foreboding or
ominous atmosphere?
The camera movement is very shaky and the lightening is dark and dull.
3. Why do you think Wright suggests that Macbeths have a dead son?
Macbeth is seen visiting a cemetery and Lady Macbeth depression and bitterness can be
explained as a result of grief and despair.
The Battle (Act 1 Scene 2
4. What cinematic devices does Wright use to convey the intensity of the fight?
Think in terms of camera work, sound, lighting, editing, etc.
The lighting is dark and ominous to create the atmosphere of tension, the sound effects
are loud and piercing with every gun shot and bashing.
5. Do you think this modern adaptation work for this scene? Explain with 2 reasons for or
against.
It does work in regards with the modern adaptation because we have a better visual
understanding of what happens during the battle and what Macbeth does in order to
succeed being crowned thane of Cawdor.
6. In Wright’s version of this scene, the visualisation of a battle replaces some of the Sergeant’s
speech. In your opinion, is the image of fighting an adequate substitute for the Sergeant’s
dialogue? Why or why not?
Yes, because we still get the message that the sergeant is praising Macbeth of his noble,
brave qualities.
Lady Macbeth’s ‘Unsex me here’
(Act 1 Scene 5)
7. What film technique does Wright employ to make Lady macbeth’s speech seem sinister?
Wright uses the long shot to show her body language and later a close up of her face so
that we experience a connection to her as she says the soliloquy, revealing how desire for
Macbeth to kill Duncan.
8. How does Lady Macbeth; speech end in dramatic irony?
As she says her speech we have the wind effect blowing through her hair to portray
that the forces of evil are possessing her.
‘Is this a dagger…?’ (Act 2 Scene 1)
9. What filmic elements (e.g lighting, music, cinematography) does Wright use here ti
create suspense?
The foreshadow and dull, dark lighting that is used throughout the film.
10. How does he portray Macbeth’s state of mind?
The rapid camera movement portrays how Macbeths mind is in frenzy.
The morning after the murder (Act 2 Scene 3)
11. Do you think the doorbell is an adequate substitute for the ‘knocking’ in the play? Why
or why not?
The doorbell is a modern translation for the knocking in the play as the noise of the
bell would cause my disturbance as Macduff continually pressed it.
12. How does the cinematography (composition, camera angles, camera movement etc.)
capture the confusion when the household hears of Duncan’s murder?
Wright shows a brief angle where we see a glimpse of Duncan’s body and the close up
of the faces in the house display their confusion .
13. Most interpretations present Lady Macbeth’ fainting as covering for (or drawing
attention away from) Macbeth. Do you think Wright interprets it this way?
Wright shows Lady Macbeth fainting more of a shock to seeing the body than for her
covering for Macbeth.
The Banquet (Act 3 Scene 4)
14. When told of Fleance’s escape, Macbeth does not describe himself as ‘cabined, cribbed,
confined’. Instead, how doe Wright convey the meaning of these lines by the
composition of this shot?
The change in the shots from one character conversing at a time.
15. How do various elements of the cinematography convey Macbeth’s state of mind?
The elements shift very fast to demonstrate the chaos in Macbeths mind.
16. What devices does Wright employ to convey Macbeth’s terror when he sees Banquo’s
ghost for the second time?
The loud sound effects, Macbeths jumpy distorted behaviour, the quick cuts in the
scenes.
17. What do you think is the significance of one of the men at the table picking up and
taking Banquo’s earring?
They suspect of Macbeths deception.
The battle and the ending (Act 5 Scenes 8&9)
18. How has Wright made Birnam Wood come to Dunsinane? Do you find this a clever twist
or unnecessary distraction?
Through the lumber on the truck driving closer to his house. It is clever because in
modern times, a group of men cutting down trees and walking to Macbeth would
appear silly.
19. How is Macbeth portrayed before his house is stormed by attackers? Why?
Macbeth appears to be confident however fidgety at the same time to convey his
doubt yet bravery at the same time.
20. Why do you think Wright has him wearing a kilt?
To show the Scottish nature.
21. Describe the way in Which Wright presents the battle. Do you find this cinematic style
effective?
Wright portrays it as fast and rapid which is effective as it shows the chaos.
22. Do you think the wine cellar is an exciting setting for a shoot-out? Why or why not?
What alternative settings might Wright have considered?
It is effective as the wine symbolised blood and revenge that macduff needed for his
family.
23. Wright reintroduces Fleance in the final scenes, where he shoots a comparatively
innocent servant. What idea might Wright be wishing to communicate to the audience?
People will conform when they are exposed to that kind of life and environment.
24. This film ends with an image of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth lying dead with the “Out,
out, brief candle’ speech from Act 5, Scene 5 played as a voice over. Do you like the
ending? Why or why not?
Yes, because it shows how their insanity and greed led to their downfall.
25. This film was directed in recent times choosing to omit Malcolm’s final speech of
restoration, which seems to make it more pessimistic than Shakespeare’ play. Why
might a modern director take this approach?
Some of the directors interpret the play differently to how another director may
interpret it or they may want to create a twist.