I've just been inspired, by news of a big-screen production of Coriolanus and a fun movie blog, to revisit an old LJ post of mine. It basically involves a smash-bang idea for a big-screen production of Macbeth, which has NOT been done properly, and, well, I'm going to let you read my argument for it in a minute. The following is my original post. New ideas for casting will be italicized.
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So, a couple of days ago, Andrew & I were discussing (ok, I was babbling and he was tuning me out) Clive Owen and Daniel Craig and how they both started out in theatre and have done their fair share of Shakespeare, which I would love to see, of course. I went off on a tangent, trying to figure out what play could be turned into a film version that could star both actors. And it was kind of hard to start out with. They're both in their late 30s-early 40s so you really can't do another version of Midsummer Night's Dream, or anything with the usual two sets of young lovers. I filed this dilemma away in the back of my mind and went on with my life.
But then, this morning, I hit upon the solution, and seriously? It's kind of brilliant. There hasn't been a really good version of Macbeth done recently. There've been some modernizations and weird realizations and things, but not a serious version. Think about it: it's got plenty of room for new-fangled special effects. It's got big battle scenes. It calls for absolutely top-notch actors ... I seriously think it could be a blockbuster. And none of the true leads have to be dewy, fresh-faced youngsters. They can be people in their prime. Anyway. Here's my casting. Yes, I'm thinkin' BIG.
Macbeth
Dramatis Personae
Duncan, king of Scotland ... Ian McKellen (Sir Ian, having already done Macbeth, will enjoy this irony)
Malcolm, Donalbain, his sons ... Gerard Butler, James McAvoy (both Scots)
Macbeth, Banquo, generals of the King's army ... Clive Owen, Kenneth Branagh (who in a perfect world, will also direct)
Macduff, Lennox, Ross, Menteith, Angus, Caithness, noblemen of Scotland ... Daniel Craig (as Macduff, the perfect foil to dark and brooding Clive Owen). Not picky about the rest. Some British-y actors I like : Mark Strong, David Thewlis, Matthew Macfadyen, Dominic West, Jeremy Northam, Rufus Sewell, Chiwetel Ejiofor...
Fleance, son to Banquo ... Freddie Highmore or Thomas Sangster. Sorry, Dan Radcliffe is too old.
A Porter ... Derek Jacobi. Although, Sir Ian in a cleverly disguised double role might be interesting...
Lady Macbeth ... Cate Blanchett
Lady Macduff ... Emily Watson
Three Witches ... Emma Thompson, Phyllida Law, Sophie Thompson (The latter two are Emma's mother and sister, respectively, and I just think the three of them would have a rousing good time)
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Anyway. Yeah. I think it's brilliant. Somebody needs to get on that. Maybe when Branagh is done with Thor. What do you think?
Hi Sam, this is a fantastic idea! I'm ashamed to admit, but I've never seen a Macbeth adaptation. Which one would you recommend? Well, if this ever got made with your cast suggestion, I'd be the first in line!
ReplyDeleteMost of the actors you listed are my favorites! We both share the love for British actors, don't we? Well you know I love GB, but I also adore Jeremy, Rufus, James, Clive and Mark. Of the more mature actors, I like Derek Jacobi, Brian Cox and Alan Rickman.
Kudos for mentioning Emily Watson, who's such an underrated actress. If there's a role for a young actress, I'd definitely suggest Sophia Myles who really impressed me in the Moonlight series and Mansfield Park.
Well, that's the thing, really, is that there have been a bunch of random adaptations with actors that haven't necessarily been heard of, none of which I have seen, either...there's apparently one from the 1940s starting Orson Welles, which is about the most notable one IMDb has to offer, beyond one directed by Roman Polanski in the 80s. However, there is one "adaptation" that I fully and utterly endorse, if you can find it. A Performance of Macbeth was put on by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and isn't a film so much as a filmed stage performance with minimal set, costumes, etc. HOWEVER. It stars Ian McKellan and Judi Dench, and is un-freaking-believable in terms of acting. It's hard to come by ... I'd try a nearby library, perhaps. Totally worth it if you can find it.
ReplyDeleteI'd switch Daniel Craig and Clive Owen,
ReplyDeleteNah, see, it's really as fundamental as the looks. Clive Owen is dark and brooding, Daniel Craig is blond and blue-eyed. Plus, I think Clive Owen needs something like this to really show off his acting chops. And DC might enjoy being uncomplicated for once.
ReplyDelete