“Stars hide your fires. Let not light see my dark and deep desires”-Macbeth
Dark, grim and intensely psychological is Roman Polanski’s feature film version of Shakespeare’s ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’. ‘Macbeth’ chronicles the systematic disintegration of a man who is so drunk with the prophecy of and eventual ascendency to the throne of Scotland that he destroys all around him and eventually himself.
The plot revolves around a prophecy made to Macbeth and his partner, Banquo by three witches, whom they encounter in the Scottish highlands. While Macbeth is prophesized to be the King, the same is done for Banquo’s children. The prophecy is soon followed by Macbeth’s elevation to be Thane of Cowdor and he begins to believe in the truth of it. His wife, aware of his righteous character hatches a plan to murder King Duncan, to pave the way for Macbeth’s ascendency. She must first however convince him that the road to the top is not always through the holy path. “I do fear thy nature. It is too full of the milk of human kindness”” Hie thee hither, that I may pour my spirits into thine ear”. It is a move that both would live to regret.
Polanski has used the original Shakespearean theatrical script for this film. The actors speak the original lines and not a diluted version for the screen. As a viewer, one must pay rapt attention so as to not miss what is being conveyed, for the English is not every day. Throughout the film, he keeps the focus on the tribulations of the protagonist as he battles his morals and takes steps that he would regret, in order to cure him of his insecurities.
I do get the feeling that the Shakespearean script does take away from dramatic effect on screen. It might be best suited for the stage. In order to ease the transition, Polanski keeps the length of the shot long, so as to make the dialogue delivery stage-like. The cutting is not very frequent. The setting is murky and is mostly indoors. The usage of the moorish landscape of Scotland as the background enhances the depiction of the dullness of the principal character’s morals.
I do get the feeling that the Shakespearean script does take away from dramatic effect on screen. It might be best suited for the stage. In order to ease the transition, Polanski keeps the length of the shot long, so as to make the dialogue delivery stage-like. The cutting is not very frequent. The setting is murky and is mostly indoors. The usage of the moorish landscape of Scotland as the background enhances the depiction of the dullness of the principal character’s morals.
Jon Finch as Macbeth delivers an excellent performance as the troubled tragic protagonist. The angst at being torn between desire and righteousness is wonderfully portrayed by a thoroughbred Shakespearean actor. Francesca Annis is not as potent as one would have liked Lady Macbeth to be. The rest of the actors deliver passable performances.
‘Macbeth’ is a good film to watch if you are in the mood for some character exploration on screen and don’t mind it delivered the Shakespearean way.