Macbeth (1971 film)
| Macbeth | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Roman Polanski |
| Produced by | Andrew Braunsberg |
| Screenplay by |
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| Based on |
The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare |
| Starring | |
| Music by | The Third Ear Band |
| Cinematography | Gil Taylor |
| Edited by | Alastair McIntyre |
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Production
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| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
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Release date
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Running time
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140 minutes |
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| Language | English |
Macbeth (or The Tragedy of Macbeth) is a 1971 British-American 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 retells 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.
The production, funded by Playboy Enterprises, was troubled by poor weather around the British Isles, and the film was a box office bomb. Polanski's Macbeth was screened out of competition at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival. It was somewhat controversial for its depictions of graphic violence and nudity, but has also received positive attention, and was named Best Film by the National Board of Review.
In the Middle Ages, a Norwegian invasion of Scotland is suppressed by Macbeth, Thane of Glamis, and Banquo. A rebel, 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 fulfillment 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.
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