The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth (2008): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2008, The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth is a drama and music film directed by Gary Halvorson, running about 157 minutes.

What it’s about. Verdi’s admiration for Shakespeare led to such masterpieces as Othello and Falstaff, and if the earlier Macbeth isn’t on their exalted level it’s still a powerfully dramatic opera that hews closely to the original’s story line. The MET’s production retains the dark aura of the opera while updating it to a vaguely post-modern context. So the witches are bag ladies in various stages of decrepitude, with children in tow. The Banquet Scene features lowered chandeliers, a plethora of chairs, and a slew of extras dressed in tuxedos and party gowns. Macbeth sports a leather coat, the soldiers are in drab brown uniforms and seem to have fingers on their triggers even when they’re supposed to be in non-threatening situations. Director Adrian Noble also has Lady Macbeth do an inordinate amount of writhing around and singing from a lying-down position, adding to the feeling that a less interventionist directorial hand might have generated more impact.

Who’s in it. The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth stars Željko Lučić as Macbeth, John Relyea as Banquo, Maria Guleghina as Lady Macbeth and Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs as Lady-in-waiting to Lady Macbeth, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.