Macbeth. Film Study: Media Analysis

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Carmel Moore
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1 Macbeth Film Study: Media Analysis

2 Question 1&2: Intended Audience and Appeals to That Audience Adults age 25 and older (appeal: mature subject matter, graphic content through battles and in the witch s scenes, promiscuous scenes with Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, fast paced scene changes especially at the end in the battle against Macbeth and Malcolm) with an interest in history (specifically war due to the allusions to paranoia, fear, oppression, and authoritarian rule during WW2; the use of real news clips of marching soldiers) and who are well educated with an interest in English literature (specifically Shakespeare because the diction copies the Shakespearean text - more difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with Shakespeare). Teachers and professors may also be a target audience as this is a resource that could be used in an English or media studies classroom (takes a confusing historic tale and makes it more appealing by rooting it in a well known historic context).

3 Content: Types of Information and Organization of Info. Follows the play closely (acts and scenes) but adds images of war and conspiracy in increasing intervals as the movie progresses to establish the setting and atmosphere, and to develop Macbeth s character as a tyrant and tragic hero. The scenes become more rapidly performed and the shorter as the play progresses with Acts 1-3 moving more slowly with a focus on dialogue and then Acts 4-5 moving quickly with a focus on plot events and action. Scenes: There are dramatic pauses after each scene with a close up on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth advancing down a dark hallway or going downward in an elevator. This could represent their progression from good to evil and descent into hell.

4 Form and Technique (Question 1) Camera Angles: Start with wide screen shot to include images of the background to establish the time and place. This gives the audience context and adds to the tense atmosphere. Often zooms in closer to the speaker and blurs the individuals in the background. The zoom in happens as the intensity increases so this also increases the tension and brings attention to more important moments in a soliloquy. Rarely are the characters filmed directly (face on). Usually, they are filmed at an angle and are in a third of the screen rather than at the center. Then, the blurred image in the background that establishes context is in the other portion of the screen. This makes for a more realistic image and makes the viewer feel as though he/she is involved in the moment.

5 Form and Technique Lighting: The lighting becomes darker throughout the film as the tension grows and as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth become more evil. There are moments when there is a brighter light in the forefront and darker lighting in the background in order to bring attention to the appearance vs reality theme present throughout the film. One specific moment where this happens is in the banquet scene where Banquo appears to Macbeth. The lighting changes drastically throughout this scene and when it is well lit, it is not a soft lighting but a sharp light that is uncomfortable.

6 Form and Technique Music: Sound effects were used to add to the dramatic atmosphere especially when the witches were present. For example, there is a scene where, as the witches speak, there is a heart monitor beating in the background in a high pitched piercing way. Also, music was played in the background during dramatic scenes to increase tension such as when Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are about to attend the banquet after speaking in their bedroom about their regrets and fears. Finally, there is playful music during the banquet scene which abruptly ends and the silence creates added tension when Banquo s ghost appears.

7 Other techniques... Use of makeup and clothing as provocative showing lady Macbeth as a manipulative seductress who is objectified by Macbeth, but when Duncan is alive she greets them in more modest clothes. Reminds the reader that appearances are not always reliable (appearance vs reality) Witches are dressed as nurses and waitresses which bring to light the appearance vs reality theme.

English Class Outline March 13 th / March 14 th

1 Name: Period: Dear Students, English Class Outline March 13 th / March 14 th I apologize for having to be gone another day! Due to having to be to another training, I have printed this handout for you