Written over 400 years ago, Macbeth comes back to life again in Polanski's 1971 remake. The Tragedy of Macbeth is set in the same chronological time line of Shakespeare's original and reserves all the original language. These things already, personally, make for a very unappealing movie. I love Shakespeare and his works. His stories are brilliant and revolutionary, It's just that, now we're in a new age, shouldn't these legendary tales be retold through our era? And the themes Shakespeare wrote about make it so easy to do that! It doesn't mean not staying true to the original and I'm sure the old guy isn't rolling in his grave. But this was Roman's decision and I respect him for it, just you can understand how I was a bit hesitant to watch the film.
The film starts off with great promise with the wicked performances from the witches and the eerie fog covering the screen as the title imposes over the screen, boasting its brilliance. Then, for a while, things tone down. It feels very slow to begin with and I felt too much time was focused on irrelevant scenes. I know Polanski wants to build a foreground - try and evidence to the audience Macbeth's ambition - but he does this for too long and not with enough excitement to hold you. None of the performances were too gripping either, which is what the main basis of Shakespeare's plays rely on.
Regardless of all this, the film does have a lot to offer and shapes up immensely in the second half. Performances build up more and more and emotions really start to flow, showing the best of Polanski's direction. Even though an original Shakespeare production, Polanski has edged in a lot of his own unique touches, giving the film a freshness - the mirror scene is pure Polanski brilliance. The effects are also very amazing and advanced for the time of filming and the final scene with Macduff and Macbeth is some real excellent cinema. Overall, this is an impressive adaptation with a lot more on offer than I expected.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
The film starts off with great promise with the wicked performances from the witches and the eerie fog covering the screen as the title imposes over the screen, boasting its brilliance. Then, for a while, things tone down. It feels very slow to begin with and I felt too much time was focused on irrelevant scenes. I know Polanski wants to build a foreground - try and evidence to the audience Macbeth's ambition - but he does this for too long and not with enough excitement to hold you. None of the performances were too gripping either, which is what the main basis of Shakespeare's plays rely on.
Regardless of all this, the film does have a lot to offer and shapes up immensely in the second half. Performances build up more and more and emotions really start to flow, showing the best of Polanski's direction. Even though an original Shakespeare production, Polanski has edged in a lot of his own unique touches, giving the film a freshness - the mirror scene is pure Polanski brilliance. The effects are also very amazing and advanced for the time of filming and the final scene with Macduff and Macbeth is some real excellent cinema. Overall, this is an impressive adaptation with a lot more on offer than I expected.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions