Orson Welles’ character Macbeth in his 1948 film adaptation of the play is similar to Shakespeare’s Macbeth in many ways. Both characters are Scottish generals and Thanes of Glamis who are led to wicked thoughts by the prophecies of the three witches. They are both brave soldiers and powerful men, but not virtuous ones. They are easily tempted into murder to fulfill their ambitions to the throne, and once they commit their first crime and are crowned King of Scotland, they embark on further atrocities with increasing ease.
Ultimately, both Macbeths prove themselves better suited to the battlefield than to political intrigue, because they lack the skills necessary to rule without being tyrants. Their response to every problem is violence and murder. Unlike Shakespeare’s great villains, such as Iago in Othello and Richard III in Richard III, both Macbeths are never comfortable in their roles as criminals. They are unable to bear the psychological consequences of their atrocities. Is there anything else you would like to know?