The play ‘Macbeth’ by William Shakespeare delves into the life events of the Scottish general Macbeth and his ambitions for power after receiving a prophecy from a trio of witches. Driven by greed, Macbeth commits several murders and atrocities to maintain his kingship and safeguard it from aspirators, including King Duncan and close ally Banquo (Hinds 44). The tragedy is presented in various forms in contemporary literature, notably via graphic compilations, theatre, and film arts. The essay will compare Gareth Hinds’ graphic novel adaptation of Macbeth with the film adaptation directed by Dan Hodge. Although conveying similar settings, themes, and characters in Shakespeare’s classical play, the graphic novel and film versions have contrasts in the medium, language use, and visual style, which present unique perspectives to the audience.
One major difference between the two adaptions is the medium via which the authors narrate the events over time. In the graphic novel, the writer uses a combination of illustrations and dialogue to convey the tale to the readers. Macbeth is presented as a middle-aged muscular man with immense ambitions for political power (Hinds 25). On the other hand, the director uses various sets, props, special effects, and actors to deliver the story to the viewing audience. The stage is set in the olden times but incorporated with modernized elements such as the actor’s suits and attires (Hedgerow 2:36). The differences in the medium via which the story is told work to influence how the audience interprets and perceives the various events. The use of graphical illustration in the graphic novel allows the reader to effectively generate mental images of the different features of the characters and plot. However, the film presents a more concrete visual representation of the story; it offers a set of unique features on the characters and environment.
Another significant difference between the graphic and film adaptations is the creator’s language use. The original version of the play by Shakespeare was written in old English, often cumbersome for modern audiences to comprehend. The film adaptation by Hodge stays faithful to the original text, presenting the language in its olden syntax and phoneme. For instance, Lady Macbeth utters, “I am not without ambition but without the illness” (Hedgerow 13:01). Conversely, the graphic novel incorporates modernized language and simplified dialogues when demonstrating interactions between the various characters. Macbeth utters, “But still there is judgment here- do we but teach bloody instructions .”(Hind 29) Using simplified language allows the reader to effectively grasp the themes intended by the authors in each play segment. On the contrary olden language makes it difficult to grasp the verbal conversations between different actors in the play.
Another critical difference between the two adaptions is the visual style used by the creators. The film adaptation predominantly employs a dark and brooding style, with poorly lit backgrounds and shadows to suggest danger (Hedgerow 6:48). On the other hand, the graphic novel employs a more traditional approach with visible illustrations of the characters and settings, providing an accurate representation of elements in the olden times. The author illustrates castles in ancient Scotland when having the vision of the bloody dagger (Hind 33). The costumes used in the film are relatively modern, with actors assuming each character’s role. However, the graphic novel effectively presents the olden attire used by various characters in the play. The visual style is fundamental in delivering the themes the creator intends to the audience. The graphic illustrations are more comprehensive as they provide realistic settings and costumes that aim to transport the audience back to the play’s period.
There are a number of thematic differences between the two versions of the play. The graphic novel by Hind emphasizes the play’s supernatural elements, highlighting the witches’ role and their influence on Macbeth’s fate. Moreover, the illustrations emphasize the role of violence and the consequences of unchecked ambition. On the contrary, the film emphasizes the psychological aspects of the play, exploring the characters’ motivations, emotions, and relationships. On the theme of gender, the graphic novel portrays Lady Macbeth as a powerful and manipulative figure who compels her husband’s actions (Hind 37). In contrast, the film focuses on the sympathetic behavior of Lady Macbeth, a remorseful character who is haunted by guilt and regret. The audience can develop their conclusion about her character and role in the play.
Notable similarities between the graphic novel and the film adaptation include the use of visual storytelling to convey the story. The graphic novel uses sequential art, combining images and text to tell the story, while the film adaptation uses cinematography, lighting, and staging to convey the events and emotions of the characters visually. The mediums combine visual elements to create a powerful and immersive experience for the audience. Moreover, the author and the director pay close attention to the original plot, characterization, and themes as intended by Shakespeare. The graphic and the film remain loyal to the core storyline of the play, effectively demonstrating the key events. They employ different techniques to incorporate original dialogues into their work, effectively conveying the story to the audience.
Although expressing comparable locales, topics, and characters in Shakespeare’s great play, the graphic novel and cinematic versions have differences in format, language use, and visual style that provide the audience with fresh perspectives. The medium through which the authors tell the events through time is a significant distinction between the two adaptations. Another notable distinction between the graphic and cinematic versions is the creator’s choice of language. Shakespeare’s original version of the play was written in ancient English, which might be difficult for modern audiences to understand. Another significant distinction between the two adaptations is the visual style employed by the authors. The visual style is critical in conveying the creator’s desired messages to the audience. The use of visual storytelling to convey the plot is a notable similarity between the graphic novel and the cinematic version. These media employ a variety of visual components to provide the viewer with a compelling and immersive experience.
Works Cited
Hedgerow, Theatre. “William Shakespeare’s Macbeth.” Www.youtube.com, 13 Apr. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpXvqDec_EM. Accessed 13 Apr. 2023.
Hinds, Gareth. Macbeth. 2023. Google Books, Gareth Hinds, 10 Feb. 2015, www.google.co.ke/books/edition/Macbeth/ol8oBgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover. Accessed 13 Apr. 2023.
write