
Macbeth
Macbeth (or The Tragedy of Macbeth) is a 1971 historical drama film directed by Roman Polanski and co-written by Polanski and Kenneth Tynan. A film adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name, it tells the story of the Highland lord who becomes King of Scotland through treachery and murder. The film stars Jon Finch as the title character and Francesca Annis as Lady Macbeth, noted for their relative youth as actors. Themes of historic recurrence, greater pessimism and internal ugliness in physically beautiful characters are added to Shakespeare's story of moral decline, which is presented in a more realistic style.
Plot
In the Middle Ages, a Norwegian invasion of Scotland is suppressed by Macbeth, Thane of Glamis, and Banquo. A traitor, the Thane of Cawdor, is captured, and King Duncan decrees Macbeth shall be awarded the title of Cawdor. Macbeth and Banquo do not hear of this news; when out riding, they happen upon Three Witches, who hail Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor and future King, and Banquo as lesser and greater. At their camp, nobles arrive and inform Macbeth he has been named the Thane of Cawdor, with Macbeth simultaneously awed and frightened at the prospect of usurping Duncan, in further fulfilment of the prophecy. He writes a letter to Lady Macbeth, who is delighted at the news. However, she fears her husband has too much good nature, and vows to be cruel for him. Duncan names his eldest son, Malcolm, Prince of Cumberland, and thus heir apparent, to the displeasure of Macbeth and Malcolm's brother Donalbain. The royal family and nobles then spend the night at Macbeth's castle, with Lady Macbeth greeting the King and dancing with him with duplicity.
Awards
More details
author | Kenneth Tynan Roman Polanski |
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award | National Board of Review Award for Best Film National Board of Review: Top Ten Films |
contentLocation | Scotland |
director | Roman Polanski |
editor | Alastair McIntyre |
genre | drama historical |
keywords | banquo caesarean section capture courtier cut donalbain drug fife fleance flee force greet heir apparent kill king duncan lady macbeth lady macduff macbeth macduff malcolm middle ages opportunism opportunistic rid royal family scotland in the middle ages sword fight thane of cawdor the king think third murderer three witches |
musicBy | Third Ear Band |
producer | Andrew Braunsberg |
productionCompany | Caliban Films Playboy Productions |
publisher | Columbia Pictures |
theme | dance |