In 2017, the world was introduced to a fresh cinematic adaptation of a classic tale, Lady Macbeth. Directed by William Oldroyd and based on Nikolai Leskov’s novella “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District,” the film reinterprets the story’s themes and characters through a new lens.
This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth look at the film, its characters, and the creative minds behind it, as well as a fascinating exploration of the original source material and its connection to the works of William Shakespeare.
A brief overview of William Shakespeare’s works
Before delving into the universe of Lady Macbeth, it’s essential to understand the impact that William Shakespeare has had on literature, theatre, and film. Often regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, Shakespeare’s works have been translated into every major language and have been performed more often than those of any other playwright.
His vast body of work includes 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems, all of which explore themes such as love, betrayal, ambition, and tragedy.
Although Lady Macbeth is not a direct adaptation of a Shakespeare play, it is heavily influenced by the famous Scottish play, Macbeth. The character of Lady Macbeth is one of the most iconic and complex figures in Shakespeare’s work, and her influence can be seen in the 2017 film.
The plot and characters of Lady Macbeth (2017)
The story
Lady Macbeth tells the story of Katherine, a young woman who is sold into marriage to a cruel and oppressive older man, Alexander.
Trapped in a loveless marriage and confined to a remote estate, Katherine becomes involved in a passionate affair with a worker on her husband’s land, Sebastian.
As her desire for freedom grows, so does her willingness to commit terrible acts of violence and betrayal to achieve it.
Who’s who: main characters and their roles
- Katherine (played by Florence Pugh) – The protagonist of the story, Katherine is a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage who becomes entangled in a dangerous affair.
- Alexander (played by Paul Hilton) – Katherine’s cruel and oppressive husband, who keeps her trapped in their remote estate.
- Sebastian (played by Cosmo Jarvis) – A worker on Alexander’s land, who becomes Katherine’s lover and accomplice in her violent quest for freedom.
- Boris (played by Christopher Fairbank) – Alexander’s cold and domineering father, who also seeks to control Katherine’s life.
Setting and film locations
When and where the story takes place
Lady Macbeth is set in rural England during the 19th century. The story unfolds on a remote estate, where Katherine is forced to endure her loveless marriage and the oppressive control of her husband and father-in-law.
Travel guide to visit Lady Macbeth locations
For fans of the film eager to explore its breathtaking locations, a trip to the United Kingdom is in order. The majority of the movie was filmed in County Durham, England, specifically at Lambton Castle and the surrounding countryside.
Visitors can also explore the nearby city of Durham, which offers a rich history and stunning architecture, including the magnificent Durham Cathedral.
Lady Macbeth’s soundtrack by Dan Jones
The haunting and atmospheric soundtrack of Lady Macbeth was composed by Dan Jones. His work adds depth and emotion to the film, heightening the tension and suspense.
The score features a blend of classical instruments and contemporary sounds, creating a unique and memorable auditory experience that perfectly complements the film’s visuals and storytelling.
Memorable quotes and dialogues from the film
Lady Macbeth is filled with memorable quotes and dialogues that capture the essence of its characters and themes. Some standout lines include:
- “I’d rather stop you breathing than have you doubt how I feel.” – Katherine
- “You have no idea of the restraint I’ve shown. The patience.” – Alexander
- “I am a free woman now, and I will do as I please.” – Katherine
These lines showcase the film’s exploration of power, desire, and the lengths one will go to for freedom.
Curiosities and trivia about Lady Macbeth (2017)
- Lady Macbeth is not a direct adaptation of Shakespeare’s play but is instead based on the novella “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District” by Nikolai Leskov. The character of Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare’s play served as an inspiration for Katherine’s character in the film.
- The film’s director, William Oldroyd, is primarily known for his work in theatre. Lady Macbeth is his feature film debut.
- Florence Pugh, who played Katherine, received widespread acclaim for her performance, earning numerous awards and nominations.
The costumes and tips for cosplay
Dressing like the characters
Lady Macbeth’s costumes, designed by Holly Waddington, play a significant role in conveying the characters’ emotions and status.
To dress like the characters for cosplay or themed events, consider the following tips:
- For Katherine, opt for a high-necked, long-sleeved gown in dark colors like black, navy, or deep green. Add a corset to emphasize the restrictive nature of her life.
- For Alexander, choose a formal suit with a waistcoat, pocket watch, and cravat. Stick to dark colors and stiff fabrics to convey his oppressive personality.
- For Sebastian, wear simple worker’s clothing, such as a linen shirt, waistcoat, and trousers. Add a flat cap and boots to complete the look.
Parent guide and content warnings
Lady Macbeth is a dark and intense film that deals with themes of desire, betrayal, and violence.
It contains graphic scenes of a sexual nature, as well as scenes of violence and murder. The film is rated R and may not be suitable for younger viewers or those sensitive to such content.
Book summary
Nikolai Leskov’s novella “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District” tells the story of Katerina, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage who becomes involved in a passionate and violent affair with a worker on her husband’s estate.
As her desire for freedom grows, she commits a series of brutal acts to achieve it. The novella is notable for its powerful exploration of desire, power, and the consequences of obsession.
Movie summary
Lady Macbeth follows a similar storyline as the novella, with some notable differences in character names, setting, and certain plot points.
The film adapts the story to a 19th-century English setting, and Katherine’s character is inspired by both Katerina from the novella and Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare’s play.
The film is a visually stunning and emotionally charged interpretation of the original story.
Remake, sequel, and spin-off possibilities
While there have been no official announcements regarding remakes, sequels, or spin-offs of Lady Macbeth, the film’s critical success and unique interpretation of a classic tale leave the door open for further exploration of this dark and complex world.
A sequel could potentially follow Katherine’s journey after the events of the film or explore the lives of other characters, such as Sebastian or Alexander.
Other media by Christopher Ettridge and Mark Duffield
Christopher Ettridge and Mark Duffield, who play significant roles in Lady Macbeth, have both had long and successful careers in film and television. Some of their other notable works include:
- Christopher Ettridge: “Goodnight Sweetheart” (TV series), “Enemy at the Gates” (film)
- Mark Duffield: “The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells” (TV series), “The Summit” (film)
Similar media to Lady Macbeth
Fans of Lady Macbeth may also enjoy the following films and television series, which explore similar themes and settings:
- “Wuthering Heights” (2011) – A dark and atmospheric adaptation of Emily Brontí«’s classic novel, directed by Andrea Arnold.
- “Jane Eyre” (2011) – A visually stunning adaptation of Charlotte Brontí«’s novel, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
- “The Favourite” (2018) – A darkly comic historical drama about the power struggle between two cousins in the court of Queen Anne, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
Lady Macbeth’s ending explained
Without giving away too much, Lady Macbeth’s ending is a culmination of the choices and actions taken by its characters throughout the film. It serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and desire, while also leaving the viewer with questions about the future of the characters and the world they inhabit.
William Shakespeare’s bio and influence on the film
Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.
His works have had a profound and lasting impact on literature, theatre, and film.
Although Lady Macbeth is not directly based on a Shakespeare play, the character of Lady Macbeth from his play Macbeth serves as a significant influence on the film’s protagonist, Katherine.
The themes of power, ambition, and betrayal found in Shakespeare’s works can also be seen in the story of Lady Macbeth.
Book club questions and discussion points
For those interested in delving deeper into the themes and ideas presented in Lady Macbeth, consider the following book club questions and discussion points:
- How does the film compare to its source material, “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District”? What changes were made, and why do you think these changes were necessary?
- What role do the costumes and setting play in establishing the film’s atmosphere and characters?
- How does the character of Katherine relate to the character of Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare’s play? In what ways are they similar, and in what ways do they differ?
- What motivates Katherine’s actions throughout the film? Are her actions justified, or do they ultimately lead to her downfall?
- How does the film’s ending reflect the themes and ideas presented throughout the story?
Lady Macbeth-inspired video games
While there are no direct video game adaptations of Lady Macbeth, fans of the film may enjoy games with similar themes and settings, such as:
- “Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate” – Set in Victorian London, this action-adventure game explores themes of power and corruption.
- “Bloodborne” – This dark and atmospheric action RPG features a Gothic, Victorian-inspired setting and a focus on challenging combat.
- “Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs” – A horror-adventure game set in 19th-century England, with themes of obsession and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Conclusion and final thoughts on Lady Macbeth (2017)
Lady Macbeth is a powerful and visually stunning film that explores themes of power, desire, and the consequences of ambition.
With its captivating performances, haunting soundtrack, and atmospheric setting, the film offers a fresh and compelling interpretation of a classic tale. Whether you’re a fan of the original novella or new to the story, Lady Macbeth is a cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
