Scotland, PA
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Movie Reviews of Scotland, PA
Movie Review: Walken is as good as ever
Summary: 5 Stars
In his directorial debut, Billy Morrissette brings us the best adaption of William Shakespeare to date in the world of film: 'Scotland, PA.' Morrissette, also the writer of this movie, effectively adapts the classic tale of MacBeth into the blue collar world of a fast food restaurant in the 1970s. Joe McBeth (James LeGros) and Pat McBeth (Maura Tierney) are a pair of workers in a local fast food restaurant called Duncan's, but Joe has many ideas for innovations and the pair conspire to murder the owner of Duncan's when their advancement is stifled and ideas are used by the management. This action brings into effect the remainder of the movie detailing a cover up reminiscent of A Simple Plan, but with the addition of absolutely brilliant comedic performances by the cast and writing on the part of the director. The murder itself, and the ensuing cover up, is investigated by the local police by Lieutenant Duff (Christopher Walken).
Chistopher Walken is absolutely brilliant in his role as Lt. McDuff, which either because of his style, or past performances, is only enhanced by the writing which Morrissette brings to the script and results in absolutely hysterical laughter from the audience. The soundtrack is perfectly fitting with both the modern and older elements brought into the film with an inspired mixture of classical works and classic rock songs from the seventies. Though 'Scotland, PA' is an exceptional movie, it could have been improved to remove the dragging feeling in several areas during the funeral scenes and introduction. Casting for the film could have been improved by the replacement of Maura Tierney as Pat McBeth as her performance degrades the overall quality of the picture. The adaptation of the three witches of Macbeth / McKellen, Dench (Thames Shakespeare Collection) with the three hippies of the 1970s is just one example of the quality of the adaption made by Morrissette. Despite the difficulties within it, 'Scotland, PA' remains a cinematic marvel worthy of Shakespeare and, if this first film is any indication of what should be expected in the future, a work very likely to launch Billy Morrissette out of the obscure independent film world and into Hollywood as Clerks (Collector's Series) did for Kevin Smith.
Movie Review: a winner
Summary: 5 Stars
As an English major and English teacher, I am definitely not the audience this was intended for. In the commentary, the director says that it's all well and good if the typical Shakespeare lovers embrace the movie, but he's really making it for the pot smokers who've never even heard of Macbeth because they were too busy getting high to bother reading the play or even show up for class (loose paraphrase from what I remember when I watched this a year or two ago). But whether or not it was made for people like me, I loved it. Some of the low ratings have been attributed to the fact that it's just taking an old story and modernizing it. Sure, people who write stories from scratch deserve a ton of credit, but there is also a great deal of creativity involved in telling an extremely well known story in a totally fresh way. Scotland, PA succeeds there. There were also some complaints about the fact that they don't use the Shakespearean English in this adaptation. I personally enjoy watching new versions of Shakespeare's plays both ways--Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet speaks to me in a totally different way than West Side Story, but they both speak to me. I wish I could share this film with my students so they could see how "cool" Shakespeare can be. It would be a great example of the timelessness or the themes or the range of directors' interpretations. Alas, I doubt I'd ever get this one okayed by the administration...
And as a side note, I thought the music was awesome.
Movie Review: Magnificent Modern Macbeth
Summary: 5 Stars
This Shakespearian adaptation updates Macbeth to the 1970's and puts him in a diner in Scotland, PA. Macbeth's ambivalent ambition but submission to his sexy wife (played formidably by former ER nurse, Maura Tierney) is developed nicely in this film. It is easily understood by a modern audience. Christopher Walken is hysterical as vegeterian Detective MacDuff and makes Macduff a vivid, rounded character.
Note to teachers: preview the film before showing it to students. There is cursing and there are two scenes which you may find questionable and want to censor. I think it is fine for High School Juniors and Seniors, but more conservative teachers/ districts may object to it.
Movie Review: dark comedy rules in classic tragedy
Summary: 5 Stars
A witty modernization of the classic tale of Macbeth, whose character flaw of ambition is strikingly contemporary. Great acting in this film from the leads and from Christopher Walken, who has an interesting twist on the Macduff character. I watched this after one of my students told me it helped her understand the play when we read it in class. I was really impressed with the modern makeover and all of the clever tie-ins. You don't have to know the tale upon which the movie was based to "get it." My husband doesn't remember the story of Macbeth, but watched the movie with me and thought it was great.Movie Review: Hilarious spin on a classic story
Summary: 5 Stars
Very funny, up to date spin on a Shakespeare classic story. I first saw this movie when I was a senior in High school, and our English teacher wanted us to understand Macbeth and be able to still get the whole story. Funny movie, defintiely worth seeing!