"Macbeth:" Prologue: Macbeth's soldier at Army Camp (02:51)

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The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Macbeth has been lauded as the finest production of Macbeth for over a quarter of a century. In 2000, it played to packed houses in Stratford, London, and theatres abroad. All twenty actors from the original production, including Antony Sher as Macbeth and Harriet Walter as Lady Macbeth, star in this compelling screen version of Gregory Doran’s original stage production. Cleverly re-conceived for the camera, and brilliantly shot at London’s Roundhouse, "Macbeth" was filmed in a gritty style using the edgy techniques of fly-on-the-wall documentaries. Doran says, “'Macbeth' is, in many ways, the most filmic of Shakespeare’s plays with its short, quick-fire scenes and its hurtling, dynamic momentum. In the film I tried to capture its raw energy and dangerous intimacy.” In this opening segment, a wounded sergeant reports that Macbeth fought a swarm of enemy soldiers and disemboweled the traitor MacDonwald. Nurses tend to his wounds as he grows faint.

"Macbeth": Act I, Scene I (RSC Macbeth) (01:41)

Macbeth's wounded soldier dies. Amid thunder and lightning, three nurses plan to meet with Macbeth.

"Macbeth": Act I, Scene II (01:15)

Thane of Ross explains that Sweno, Norway's King, is not allowed to bury his men until he pays Scotland $10,000. King Duncan bestows Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor.

"Macbeth": Act I, Scene III (08:09)

Three nurses call Macbeth "Thane of Glamis," "Thane of Cawdor," and "King Hereafter"; they inform Banquo he will father kings. Thane of Ross announces Macbeth's new title.

"Macbeth": Act I, Scene IV (04:01)

Duncan thanks Macbeth and Banquo for their bravery during the battle and announces Malcolm is heir to his throne. Macbeth realizes the Prince of Cumberland stands in his way of obtaining the kingdom.

"Macbeth": Act I, Scene V (05:52)

Lady Macbeth learns of the witches’ prophecy and resolves to convince her husband to do whatever is necessary to seize the crown. Macbeth arrives and tells his wife that Duncan plans to leave the next day.

"Macbeth": Act I, Scene VI (01:52)

Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, and Angus arrive. Lady Macbeth explains that it is her duty to be hospitable since she and her husband owe much to their king.

"Macbeth": Act I, Scene VII (06:31)

In a soliloquy, Macbeth ponders assassinating Duncan and decides, but decides against it. Lady Macbeth calls him a coward and questions his manhood. Macbeth capitulates and agrees to murder the king.

"Macbeth": Act II, Scene I (06:53)

Banquo describes how he dreamt of the three nurses. Macbeth delivers the "Is this a dagger I see before me?" soliloquy.

"Macbeth": Act II, Scene II (06:35)

Macbeth returns with the bloody daggers and believes he heard a voice saying he would sleep no more. Lady Macbeth frames the guards for the murder of the king.

"Macbeth": Act II, Scene III (09:28)

The porter hears knocking and imagines he works at the entrance of hell. Macduff and Lennox arrive. Macbeth escorts the visitor to the king's chamber. Macduff announces that Duncan has been murdered. Lady Macbeth feigns shock and faints; Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee Scotland.

"Macbeth": Act II, Scene IV (01:39)

Macduff confirms that the bodyguards killed Duncan and Malcolm and Donalbain have fled Scotland. Macbeth has been named king.

"Macbeth": Act III, Scene I (11:04)

Banquo ponders the witches' words. Macbeth explains that Donalbain and Malcolm have fled. The new King convinces two soldiers to assassinate Banquo and Fleance.

"Macbeth": Act III, Scene II (05:18)

Lady Macbeth counsels her husband to stop mulling over already committed crimes. Macbeth envies Duncan who sleeps peacefully in the grave. She warns Macbeth to act cheerful in front of the dinner guests.

"Macbeth": Act III, Scene III (04:33)

The soldiers attack Banquo. Fleance escapes.

"Macbeth": Act III, Scene IV (13:05)

After the ghost of Banquo sits in Macbeth's seat, the King raves, creating fear among the guests. Lady Macbeth explains he is suffering from a familiar and harmless malady. When the ghost reappears, she sends everyone home.

"Macbeth": Act III, Scene VI (01:37)

Lennox interrogates a lord. Banquo's murder is blamed on Fleance, but both men suspect Macbeth. The lord divulges that Macduff has fled to the English court to search for Duncan's sons.

"Macbeth": Act IV, Scene I (08:28)

The nurses bring corpses back from the dead; they offer further predictions. Lennox divulges that Macduff has fled to England; Macbeth orders the execution of Macduff's wife and children.

"Macbeth": Act IV, Scene II (05:37)

Lady Macduff bemoans her husband's actions. A messenger arrives and entreats her to leave. Murderers apprehend the family.

"Macbeth": Act IV, Scene III (13:34)

Malcolm and Macduff agree to defend the country. England has promised troops to the son of Duncan. Ross reveals that Macbeth has ambushed and killed Macduff's family.

"Macbeth": Act V, Scene I (05:48)

The doctor does not believe a gentlewoman's story of the queen's sleepwalking. Lady Macbeth delivers the "out damn spot" soliloquy.

"Macbeth": Act V, Scene II (01:56)

Menteith, Caithness, Angus, and Lennox decide to give their loyalty to Malcolm, the son of Duncan.

"Macbeth": Act V, Scene III (05:15)

Macbeth learns that English forces are invading Scotland with 10,000 troops. Lady Macbeth is troubled with sick fantasies that will not let her rest.

"Macbeth": Act V, Scene IV (00:26)

Malcolm reunites with Menteith, Caithness, Angus, Lennox, and Ross. Soldiers receive orders to cut down and carry Birnam Wood tree limbs to camouflage their numbers.

"Macbeth": Act V, Scene V (03:09)

Macbeth learns that his wife killed herself while he prepared for war. A messenger reports that Birnam Wood appears to be moving.

"Macbeth": Act V, SceneS VI-IX: The Battle (13:34)

Macbeth kills Young Siward in combat. Macduff claims he was born by Caesarian section; Macbeth realizes he misinterpreted the nurses' words. After Macduff carries Macbeth's head on stage, Malcolm shares how order has been restored.

Credits: Macbeth (00:45)

Credits: Macbeth