Review of Macbeth

Introduction

Part of a series of Shakespeare productions filmed for Thames TV this version of Macbeth has many fine actors to its credit.

The story of Macbeth is one of Shakespeare`s finest and bloodiest tragedies. It all begins when Macbeth is greeted on his returns from battle by three hags. They predict his future as Thane of Cawdor and as the King of Scotland. DO they tempt him with their predictions or has he already decided to go over to the dark side he convinces his wife of the right of this action and he kills Duncan the King of Scotland. The heirs flee and Macbeth is crowned at Scone. After the deed however he knows no rest for `Macbeth hath murdered sleep`. Very soon there is retribution for his regicide but not before he and Lady Macbeth have suffered the torment of guilt.

The cast is amazing ranging from the leads of Ian Mckellen and Judy Dench and including Roger Rees, Bob Peck and the big bad Emperor himself Ian McDiarmid.

Video

A little on the dark side the picture is also overly soft a times. Being a made for TV production it was never going to be very sharp.

A rather stark production there are no sets and much use is made of lighting and makeup for effect.

Costuming is kept to military style clothes for the men and black for Lady Macbeth, even her hair is covered.

Audio

The dialogue is very clear with little incidental music to obscure it.

Features

Chapter selection is a scene by scene breakdown on the menu, very useful for studying.

Conclusion

There are so many versions of the play of Macbeth that it would be difficult to select one that would offer everything you might want by way of entertainment and educational value. This one although from the late 1970`s it is unlikely to be matched in the passion of its performance. The set is bare and the emphasis is entirely on the actors.

A chilling study in the perfidy of human nature Macbeth remains timeless. In this version the two leads of Ian Mckellen and Judy Dench offer up their wretched selves in a matchless examination of betrayal, greed and guilt. They are well supported by a range of character actors.

This particular play is not my cup of tea to watch as a leisure activity because I find it quite heavy going but as a masterclass in acting or as a study guide it offers great value for money.