Cecilia Mazumdar Stanger
Ms. Peifer
English 10IB
March 19, 2009
The Roman Polanski version of Macbeth effectively captured the eerie and horrific tone of the original play. Gruesome images and dissonant music aided in achieving this chilling effect. The context of the play was not changed at all. It was still set in Scotland, the language was accurate, the time period remained the same, and the dress and practices of the characters remained relatively loyal to that which the script implies. I enjoyed the amazing cinematography, particularly on the beaches of Scotland and within Macbeth’s home (the moments before Duncan’s murder were cleverly staged). I also liked the way Banquo’s murder was cut, with the lines “There will be rain tonight” as spoken by Banquo and “let it come down!” as the murderers released their trap.
The acting from every character was amazing. Lady Macbeth’s haunting confidence that transformed into guilty madness had me on the edge of my seat. I thought initially she was more feminine and manipulative than the bold and cruel Lady portrayed in Shakespeare’s original version. The screen chemistry between Macbeth and his Lady matched my interpretation of the written devotion.
My only complaint about Macbeth was also his is initial portrayal: his attitude at the beginning of the film wasn’t quite what I imagined. He wasn’t as kind and light hearted, the traces of madness began when he was first introduced during the witches scene. This evident in the sharp way in which he addresses his fellow Thanes. I didn’t believe that he was a good man succumbing to greed.
Afterward his character development was mastered. His phony innocence and nervousness after Duncan’s murder was well played. His paranoia was illustrated by awful hallucinations during the scenes surrounding Banquo’s death and the second witch scene, as well as dream sequences. Macbeth’s hunger for power quickly becomes apparent as he develops a cruel and mocking tone of voice.
My last few comments involve some common ideas that we learned about in class: symbolism, soliloquies, and humor. I noticed quite a few more puns at the beginning of the play than I had when looking at a page. This was a nice little break from the heavy themes presented. The porter scene had me laughing as well. Everything about the character was both realistic and comical. I found it interesting that the soliloquies were presented as “thoughts”, they were spoken as narration. What amazed me most about this rendition of Macbeth was the use of symbols. I recognized many significant ideas that we studied, in subtle places throughout the film. Borrowed robes, darkness and animals were seen everywhere, not to mention the overpowering theme of blood.
