Macbeth
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Movie Reviews of Macbeth
Movie Review: Murther!
Summary: 5 Stars
Pauline Kael, bless her heart, considered this film a failure: she thought Roman Polanski's trauma over wife Sharon Tate's murder was behind the film's tone (hopeless) and approach (explicit), to the extent that it got in the way of his artistic judgment. It's true that Polanski shows us the violence, whereas Shakespeare kept it offstage; but there is nothing sensational or cavalier in the film's carnage. Besides which, it's not just the violence that is raw. Polanski conjures up Scotland of the Dark Ages in every bleak detail: in the dank castle corridors, in the harsh landscapes. There is no splendor here. It may be the most lived-in adapation of Shakespeare ever filmed. It is Polanski's dogged verisimilitude that puts this movie over the top. Orson Welles directed an austere but compelling 'Macbeth,' and Akira Kurosawa based his great 'Throne of Blood' on it (culminating in one of the most spectacular finales in film -- Toshiro Mifune as human pin-cushion). But Polanski's adaption is the one that will haunt your dreams. Not for the faint of heart, or even "brave" hearts...
(P.S. I cannot write about this movie without acknowledging that severed arm the witches bury in the sand. As one of the most unforgettable body parts in cinema, it's right up there with the severed ear in 'Blue Velvet' and the ant-infested hand in Bunuel's 'Un chien andalou.')
Movie Review: Shakespeare as Cinema!
Summary: 5 Stars
Purists beware, Roman Polanski and Kenneth Tynan have cut, rearranged, and shaped Shakespeare's material to make a MOVIE! And what a grand film they created. Flowingly cinematic, with stunning location filming and superb cinematography the many cuts allow for a smooth narration without sacrificing the gut and heart of the play.There was much controversy when this film debuted, probably due to it being financed and produced by Hugh Hefner and Playboy, and probably because it was unblinkingly bloody upfront (although the blood is in the play, much of it is naturally offstage), and because of nudity in several key scenes (including the witches....all those old nude crones, while factually correct, no doubt upset many). Today, these seem like perfectly reasonable choices. The film is relentless and remorseless, as befits the story. I don't know what part of Polanski's personal tragedy had any part in his work here, but the direction is excellent. Finch and Anis are fine as the murderous Laird and his Lady, as is the rest of the cast.
If you want the play, see the play. If you want a stimulating and fully realized CINEMATIC treatment of Shakespeare's great themes of greed, ambition, murder, guilt and destiny, see this finely produced, directed, and acted work. Well worthwhile.
Movie Review: Macbeth as it is
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not sure I agree with the statements that this is Polanski's personal adaptation of Macbeth. While the incidents in his life at that time undoubtedly had an affect on his rendering of Macbeth, I contend that Macbeth was always a gloomy story, and perhaps it was the that element of the story that drew Polanski rather than Polanski creating a gloomy story out of Macbeth.That having been said, this is a fantastic film. It is extremely dark, at times shockingly brutal, but true to the play. The costumes are great, and the dirty, dusty castle setting is accurate for the era. There are very few lines that have been disregarded, and the dialogue does not embellish or add to Shakespeare's classic. Nobody has, before or since, had the gonads to really emphasize the darker elements of Shakespeare while staying true to the play. "Titus" tried, but inserted too much modern-day silliness to be considered a serious endeavour. This is as true to the play as it can get, and doesn't apologize for it. If you can get past the violence and the sometimes cheesy 70s background music, you will love it. In addition, its gloomy atmosphere and violence might actually have the added benefit nowadays of interesting kids in The Bard.
Movie Review: One of Polanski's best!
Summary: 5 Stars
A flop in its day, Polanski's The Tragedy of MacBeth now looks more and more like one of his finest achievements. Unlike many Shakespeare adaptations, Polanski opts for clarity and accessibility rather than elocutionary gymnastics, providing a brisk narrative and staging it with a real cinematic imagination that prevents it from ever becoming stage bound. It's set in a believable, gritty world where the setting sun makes the very sands look bathed in blood and overcast skies and harsh elements provide an appropriate setting for betrayal and violence - LOTS of violence. Despite moments of black humor, it's pretty obvious what Polanski is trying to get out of his system in scenes of brutal murder or the ripping of MacDuff from his mother's womb. Francesca Annis doesn't quite scale the heights of madness as Lady MacBeth, but Jon Finch and Martin Shaw do well by MacBeth and Banquo and the supporting performances are pleasingly naturalistic. The use of location is excellent and well-served by Gilbert Taylor's Scope photography, while Third Eye Blind's scoring is surprisingly apt. Definitely one of the best Shakespeare screen adaptations, and a real movie as well.Movie Review: Must see for DVD!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you already have this version of MacBeth on video, post it on [line]. Polanski's film must be seen in the original theatrical format that a DVD offers. I remember seeing this film at the theatre as a child and being awed by it. Later, in college, I convinced some friends to rent it. Frankly, I wasn't impressed......even bored! "So", I thought, "I guess these folks think I just wanted to expose them to out-of-focus gore and nude witches all night!" However, some years later, I saw the film again on cable presented in letterbox form. INCREDIBLE!! I was forever a converted widescreen perfectionist after seeing it this way. The dramatic cinematography feeds on Shakespeare's words and compels the viewer to absorb the entire experience. The fullscreen version of this masterpiece, with its constant unfocused panning, is a crime. Colorizing CASABLANCA would be insignificant by comparision to this atrocity. The letterbox presentation provides a crisp, beautifully focused and awesome experience. Plus, you'll see a lot more naked witches this way!