Macbeth (2001): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2001, Macbeth is a notable film directed by Gregory Doran, running about 132 minutes. “Gregory Doran's film of his acclaimed RSC production with Antony Sher and Harriet Walter” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Anthony Sher and Harriet Walter star in a highly-acclaimed screen version of William Shakespeare's classic story of tyranny and ambition. On the stage this Royal Shakespeare Company presentation was universally lauded. Following sell-out seasons at Statford's Swan Theatre and in London, the production played Japan and in the United States, where The New York Times praised director Gregory Doran's interpretation as a "harrowing and disturbingly funny parable for the dawn of the 21st century". To make this compelling screen version, Gregory Doran worked with all of the original cast and filmed at London's Roundhouse. Brilliantly shot by director of photography Ernie Vincze, the production uses the edgy techniques of fly-on-the-wall documentaries. The effect is raw, intimate and strikingly dynamic.

Who’s in it. Macbeth stars Antony Sher as Macbeth, Harriet Walter as Lady Macbeth, Joseph O'Conor as King Duncan and Nigel Cooke as Macduff, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.6/10, Macbeth has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In GB you can rent or buy it from BFI Player. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Macbeth page.