10 Things You Need To Know About Michael Fassbender's Macbeth

3. It's A Macbeth For Modern Themes

As mentioned earlier, the perceived antiquated language and themes of a work first produced 400 years ago can be off-putting to some, but it is important to note this film is laced with ideas which would have been unfamiliar to Shakespeare's audiences. One thing which keeps popping up in reviews and interviews with the main cast is the emphasis on the effects of war on the human psyche. Macbeth is not necessarily fearless in battle here or even traditionally brave. But, according to Michael Fassbender, the character has been played as if he is a returning war veteran who has witnessed innumerable horrors and fails to reintegrate into society. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was studied heavily by the actor in order to get into the head of his character. This could prove to be a new and interesting approach considering the recent events of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the numerous stories of men returning and struggling to fit back in to normal life.