"Watched by Banquo"

Banquo plays an integral role in Shakespeare's Macbeth as a foil to the infamous Macbeth himself. Despite his importance to the story, Banquo is often underrepresented, and the majority of his internal feelings are not revealed through dialog or soliloquy. In this way, much of his character is left up to the audience to determine: Is he loyal to his 'friend', Macbeth, until the very end? Or is he creating his own plot to acquire the throne at the time he was killed?

We will never know for sure, but I have created below a Netflix playlist for Banquo that will hopefully provide my own insight on Banquo as a character.

WATCHED BY BANQUO

#1 - Betrayal


Betrayal is an ABC television series (well, it was until it was canceled after its first season) that revolves around two married individuals who take part in a secret affair. On top of this, there is a murder trial taking place, in which the two are on different sides. The idea of the show is to illustrate the surrounding corruption and lies that result from a compelling story of sex, love, loyalty, marriage, and treachery.

I suppose Banquo might have watched this show if he felt suspicions about Macbeth's intentions. From my own interpretations of Banquo, I believe that he did recognize the danger following the strange sequence of events that progressed after the witches' prophecies, but believed that Macbeth still respected their friendship. Betrayal represents some of these issues of trust, loyalty, and danger that Banquo must have been experiencing at the time he was murdered.

#2 - Beowulf


Beowulf is the film adaption of the Old English tale by the same name. Set in Scandinavia, it is the story of an epic hero. A monster named Grendel wreaks havoc on the mead hall of Danish King, Hrothgar. Beowulf is a boastful warrior eager to earn renown across the land, and he quickly accepts Hrothgar's pleas for help in eliminating Grendel. The story progresses with Beowulf defeating the creature, and then becoming king through questionable practices (namely, making a deal with the creature's mother).

Banquo would have likely watched this movie not only due to its warrior-culture influences, but the hints to corruption and unrightful kingship as well. Also, throughout the movie, Beowulf has a trusting and loyal friend who always stays by his side, despite his corruption. I also expect that Banquo would enjoy the ending, where ***SPOILER ALERT*** Beowulf makes the right choice and saves his kingdom, regardless of how he became king of said kingdom, at the cost of his own life. I suspect that Banquo would ultimately hope that if Macbeth were responsible for the murder of King Duncan, he would still honor their friendship and make a right decision.

#3 - Harry Potter (Yes, the entire series)


Harry Potter is a seven book series by author J.K. Rowling following the lives of Harry Potter and his friends, as well as his enemies. It takes place in the present day world, as well as the secret world of wizards and witches.

The only reason I expect that Banquo would have watched this series is for its interpretation of witches. Although vastly different that the ones in Macbeth, I believe Banquo would be eager to get as many views on witches as possible, in order to explain his and Macbeth's strange encounter with the three witches in the story.

#4 - Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief


Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief brings to film the book by the same name, in which an age-old story in Greek mythology is given a modern rendition.

I believe that Banquo would have watched this movie due to his confusion and skepticism regarding the prophecies made by the three witches in the story. This would have given him a new point of view on prophecies, how and why they are fulfilled, and so on.