Blog Post #7: Netflix and Macbeth

Warning: Spoilers

Character: Macbeth

Pick #1: Game of Thrones
-Game of Thrones is an easy pick for Macbeth, as it deals with a subject very close to his heart, the nobles of a medieval kingdom. This show is packed with everything Macbeth loves, from war to enigmatic prophecies. This action packed show follows the court intrigue in the land of Westeros, where the King Robert had the old king killed and took the throne, prompting the old king's children to flee. The children of King Aerys spend most of their time planning to come back to Westeros with an army and retake the throne. This might ring a bell for Macbeth, who is faced with the challenge of King Duncan's sons returning with an army to claim the throne. He might see characters in Macbeth that remind him of the people around him, like the character of Cersei Lannister, who tries constantly to gain more power for her family. Maybe the character of Barristan Selmy, who is faithful to the new king before eventually working for the children of King Aerys, reminds him of Ross, who eventually turns against him. Overall, I think that Macbeth would watch Game of Thrones, because it reminds him of his own life, but makes it seem so much more awesome.

Pick #2: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
-After a long day of killing your way to the top, who doesn't love a bit of comedy to relax? Macbeth would love this movie set in the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The setting and story are familiar, but the movie places a whole new spin on the classic tale. The misadventures of King Arthur and his court would bring a smile to Macbeth's face at the end of a tough kingly day. This movie would be very enjoyable for Macbeth, because the main character of a tragedy needs some comedy every once in a while. He may identify with King Arthur, because they both have important jobs to do as king, whether it is finding the Holy Grail, or killing your best friend.

Pick #3: Macbeth (1971)
-Talk about an existential crisis! Macbeth would be both puzzled and confused by this movie which tells the story of a man named Macbeth who kills the king of Scotland to become king. He may have watched it at first after seeing his name as the title, and then realizing that it was about him. This would be because of the selfishness of Macbeth, as his entire world revolves around his wishes and desires. Upon watching this movie, Macbeth may become terrified as it slowly portrays every aspect of his life and death. It may lead to him yelling at his television or computer (because how else would Macbeth watch Macbeth) and shouting "Out, out brief candle!" I think he may view it as a documentary about his life, or as a compliment to his reign.

Pick #4: Criminal Minds
-This hard-hitting procedural about a team of criminal profilers attempting to catch serial killers would greatly appeal to Macbeth. The ability of the team to generate psychological profiles of criminals may fascinate him, and he might even try to build a profile of himself. The show is often very dark, but Macbeth wouldn't be shocked by things he sees on television, because one time he cut a man almost in half. He would enjoy the insight into the human mind, and might seek to find the reason behind his ambition and hallucinations.

Pick #5: Fight Club
-This film might seem strange for Macbeth to enjoy, he may identify with the nihilistic character of Tyler Durden. Macbeth shows that he has a very nihilistic outlook on life in general. This is shared with the character Tyler, and the attempts at overthrowing the social order may be in line with Macbeth overthrowing Duncan. The film deals with subjects that Macbeth may not be interested in, but the existential nihilism of Tyler Durden would definitely make this appealing to Macbeth.