Gruesome, Unique Twist on Classic Story
Shakespeare’s Macbeth is similar to the 1971 film dramatization of Macbeth directed by Roman Polanski since the film reinvents Macbeth’s hallucinations, horses breaking free from their stalls, and the symbol of sleep. The two versions differ in terms of the characterizations and of the witches and Lady Macbeth, the amount of violence seen by the audience, and the ending of the play. In addition, most of the film takes place in daylight while most of Shakespeare’s Macbeth takes place at night. Some differences between the two sources are supported by the use of technology and special effects which Shakespeare did not have at his disposal. Although gruesome violence and vulgar nudity in the 1971 movie version is unnecessary, the film is entertaining and breathes in new life into Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Macbeth’s Hallucinations
The motion picture is similar to Shakespeare’s Macbeth since both outline Macbeth’s dagger and Banquo hallucinations. Polanski does this tastefully by using technology to ensure that the illusionary dagger and the bizarre ghost of Banquo look realistic. The movie reconstructs the dagger hallucination which takes place shortly before Macbeth kills King Duncan. Jon Finch, Macbeth in the film, imagines a floating dagger and repeats the well-known Shakespeare lines saying, “is this a dagger which I see before me, / The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee” (II. I. 33-34). Finch reaches for the dagger and viewers watch as he grasps aimlessly to discover only thin air. Polanski intelligently re-creates this scene by showcasing the internal stress that Macbeth feels, which manifests itself in Macbeth’s delusions. Wendy Rogers Harper explains in “Polans...
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The film Scotland, PA is an excellent adaptation of Shakespeare’s masterpiece Macbeth because it makes the play more relatable to more modern times. The director took the plot of the play, but put it into the 1970s, being a much more relatable t...
Since the late 1890’s films have been constantly changing the history of pop culture and the way people view war, politics, and the world as a whole. As the timeline of the history of film progressed, there were many different phases: gothic noir, slapstick comedy, tragedy vs. love, romance, and many more. Towards the more recent times, the central ideas of films started drifting to the greatness of the directors. Directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and many more were noted as outstanding directors of action and cinematography. In this paper I will speak about Wes Anderson, Martin Scorsese, and the ever so infamous Baz Luhrmann. These directors have changed the way filmmaking has been and will be looked at from this point on.
Soon after, Macbeth and his wife are discussing how they can murder the current king so that Macbeth will become king. This is wild thinking. Before Macbeth commits the murder he says, “Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee: -- I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.” (Shakespeare’s Masterpieces 18) Afterwards he says, “I have done the deed.” (Shakespeare’s Masterpieces 18)
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Shakespeare’s piece, as an immeasurable ravine, would always be inaccessible for me to read due to the ancient English and the ancient background under which all the story had token place. I remember the first time of reading Macbeth was when I was in 8 grades. I was too young to appreciate the tragical theme; thus, my first impression of Macbeth was barely left, except knowing its short length. When I was watching the actual Shakespeare playing on the stage, my memory of my earlier reading suddenly was retrieved. However, in the end, Macbeth still left lots of questions for me to concern.
I prefer Roman Polanski's version of the Macbeth opening scene because it is the most ideal out of the three.
Not unlike Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the character of Macbeth in Rupert Goold’s film is a savage, power-hungry politician. In Goold’s film, however, Macbeth finds humor in the tumultuous events leading to his downfall. His chilling laughter upon the announcement of his wife’s suicide and his demeaning attitude towards his fellow rege...
The film displays multiple scenes of gruesome violence to greater expand on the dark atmosphere of the play. Act 5 contains Macbeth slaying a young siward. Polanski morphed this scene into a brawl with more soldiers and even added blood and
Do you crave power and authority? In the Shakespeare play Macbeth, the audience gets to see the inner workings of the mind as Macbeth deals with the consequences of knowing your future. The movies I am comparing from Macbeth were directed by Justin Kurzel and Rupert Goold and will be referred to by their names. In the Macbeth films, one can compare the use of low-key lighting, the effectiveness of dialogue, and the overall pace of the story.
Macbeth is often battling his on war inside his unstable mind. “Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee:” Faces are often viewed in repose for minutes at a time and we are often encouraged to watch the characters think. This is very powerful and not short of being magnificent.
Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 2 scene 1 “Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee… A dagger of the mind, a false creation”. Uses metaphorical language and illusion of torment that Macbeth is hallucinating the supernatural. Macbeth’s lust for power is gained when he becomes king and orders Banquo and his son to be killed. Biblical imagery is used to describe Macbeth’s reaction to the news of Banquo’s death and Fleances escape as they are contrasted to snakes: “there the grown serpent lies. The worm that’s fled Hath nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for the present.”, This further emphasizes the nature of the play as a psychological
Connelly, Marie. "The films of Martin Scorsese: A critical study." Diss. Case Western Reserve University, 1991. Web. 07 Apr 2014.
Directed by Rubert Goold, in a more modern adaptation of the Shakespearian tale of Macbeth, Sir Patrick Stewart presents a dramatic depiction of the character himself. One of the most iconic scenes in the play- Macbeth’s long soliloquy- exemplifies his unique style and ability to captivate viewers. Unlike other adaptations, Goold utilizes both camera shots and a haunting background noise to create an atmosphere that take advantage of Stewart’s talent in a way that would do Shakespeare proud.