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Macbeth [1983]
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RRP: £12.99
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Not for actors!
Review date: 2006-03-15 Rating: 2 out of 10
Having remembered this version of Macbeth from school, I thought I'd have another look at it to help me in my studies of Shakespeare (as a university drama student). However, it seems my memory had played tricks on me. To be fair, I only watched the 1st half hour of the film before giving up on it, so it may have picked up later, but I gave up on it because of the appalling acting. Every thing is so over the top that it grates. Although Jane Lapotaire does an interesting interpretation of the 'come, you spirits' speech, she may as well have a sign saying 'I Am Acting' written above her. Nicol Williamson can't even claim that. And of course, being an obvious low budget film, the costume, camera work and scenery are nothing to rave about. All in all, I can find nothing that I could recommend about this film, especially not to drama students.
Similar Products
- Macbeth [1971]
- William Shakespeare's Macbeth [1978]
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- GCSE Shakespeare: "Macbeth" Text Guide Pt. 1 & 2 (Gcse Shakespeare Text Guide)
- Orson Welles' Macbeth [1948]
Reviews
Excellent performance
Review date: 2005-03-24 Rating: 10 out of 10
I own several on screen versions of Macbeth, including the RSC version with Ian McKellen and Judi Dench, the 2001 RSC version directed by Gregory Doran, and the Roman Polanski cinematic version, so I believe I can safely say that the BBC Macbeth is the one I was most impressed with. Both Nicol Williamson and Jane Lapotaire give impressive performances. Williamson manages to realistically portray Macbeth as a terrified man, and Lapotaire is perfect as Lady Macbeth. This film explores the psychological dimension of the play to a much greater extent than other filmed versions, which emphasize the political. Here, the director delves into the protagonist's mind, and the result is tremendous.
There are many memorable moments in this film, such as Nicol Williamson wringing his hands behind his back as he knows his deed is about to be discovered, Jane Lapotaire with bloody hands pushing her husband towards the bedroom, or the terror in Lady Macduff's eyes as her child is slaughtered.
I also liked the lighting effects at the opening of the play, especially the use of colours for the sky.
I highly recommend this Macbeth to all those who truly appreciate Shakespeare.
Good play, but...
Review date: 2004-11-28 Rating: 2 out of 10
I have been a great fan of Shakespeare's plays for some time now, in particular Hamlet and Macbeth, so I decided to rent this out from the video library and give it a try. Jane Lapotaire's performance is OK, and there are some good supporting performances, but Nicol Williamson is so bad! His melodramatic performance of the 'Is this a dagger?' soliloquy was hilariously bad, and I was mortified to watch him slaughtering the 'To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow' speech with his slow, roaring delivery - "To .... mo .... rrrrow; aaaaaaaaaaaaaand to .... mo .... rrrrow" etc. There's got to be a better filmed version of this play out there. Don't get this.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Jane Lapotaire
Nicol Williamson
James Bolam
James Hazeldine
Brenda Bruce
Creators:
Nicol Williamson (Primary Contributor)
Jane Lapotaire (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503147624
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2004-08-23
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 150 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1983
Language: English (Original Language)