Cast
View AllŽeljko Lučić
as Macbeth, Thane of Glamis
Ildebrando d'Arcangelo
as Banquo, Thane of Lochaber
Anna Netrebko
as Lady Macbeth
Francesca Chiejina
as Lady-In-Waiting
Jonathan Fisher
as Servant to Macbeth
John O'Toole
as Duncan, King of Scotland
Konu Kim
as Malcolm, Son of Duncan
Yusif Eyvazov
as Macduff, Thane of Fife
Matteo Di Lorenzo
as Fleance, Son of Banquo
Olle Zetterstrom
as Assassin
John Morrissey
as First Apparition
Gaius Davey Bartlett
as Second Apparition
Edward Hyde
as Third Apparition
Jonathan Coad
as Herald
Simon Shibambu
as Doctor
Crew
Director
- Phyllida Lloyd
- Sue Judd
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Royal Opera House: Verdi's Macbeth examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Phyllida Lloyd brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Royal Opera House: Verdi's Macbeth took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 205 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 237 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 456 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 71 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Royal Opera House: Verdi's Macbeth shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Cellist / Dances at a Gathering (The Royal Ballet), which focuses more on action than character development, The Royal Opera House: Verdi's Macbeth subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Verdi: La Traviata and Maqbool explore similar territory, The Royal Opera House: Verdi's Macbeth stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 16, 2018
- Runtime: 3h 25m