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Resource 3: Analysing the film’s design

Set design

Why are some parts of the castle very medieval and traditional looking, whereas other parts (such as the staircases) are very clearly artificial constructs? We are constantly reminded that we are watching a film or interpretation. Why? What does the final ‘reveal’ that the film has taken place in a constructed Globe tell us as an audience? (Shakespeare’s Globe? The universality of the themes of the play?)

Set design photograph 1 – the battle

Set design photograph 2 – a tavern

Set design photograph 3 – showing ‘transparent’ elements of the set inside Dunsinane

Set design photograph 4 – showing ‘transparent’ elements of the set inside Dunsinane

Set design photograph 5 – the ‘Globe’ in which the action is finally revealed to take place

The Porter’s Den

List everything you can see. How is it made clear that the Porter lives in a different world than the other characters?

The Porter’s Den photograph 1

The Porter’s Den photograph 2

The Porter’s Den photograph 3 – a detailed view

Costume

What is the colour scheme used for the costumes? Are different characters costumed differently to indicate either status or their affinity with the human or spirit world? How does our interpretation of the character of the Macbeths change when we see a change in their costumes? Etc.

Costume design photograph 1 – Witch group

Costume design photograph 2 – The Macbeths (and Banquo) before the coronation

Costume design photograph 3 – Lady Macbeth before the coronation

Costume design photograph 4 – Lady Macbeth (after coronation)

Costume design photograph 5 – Macbeth (after coronation)

Lesson Activities from SSF
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1 – The role of the Porter
2 – Performance choices: A Laban inspired exercise
3 – Analysing the film’s design
4 – Discussion points
5 – Provocative statements