Film review: Macbeth (1998) directed by Michael Bogdanov.

Hello everyone, it is time for another Macbeth film review. This time I am taking you into Michael Bogdanov's rough and tough world. For one thing, the Macbeth home looks like some abandoned warehouse with missing windows or doors. But we get an impression of how this version of Macbeth is to be just from seeing the opening. The three witches, played by Lesley Joseph, Lorren Bent and Denise Black are presently discussing their affairs in a junkyard with an array of debris scattered about. When Macbeth and Banquo arrive, I thought it was cleverly done how the three witches were able to disappear in the way they did, not just 'vanish' as if. Later on when Macbeth returns to speak with them, the scene is in black and white as they make magic with their cauldron. The only colour which is present at the start of that scene is the fire. To me this was a unique take on the scene and having the fire created a sinister, troublesome atmosphere. This sums up the witches of Macbeth because they are not murderers but troublesome does fit for their sly and manipulative characters. I found it a little odd how at the end when Macbeth is chucked onto a pile of rubbish along with other rubbish from the rubbish truck, the witches turn out and see what they can have. Are Michael Bogdanov's witches also scavengers then? They certainly seem a little rough around the edges...

Other characters come across as rough. Certainly at the end of the film when Macbeth and Macduff fight, it is rough (and violent I might add) there. With guns in each others faces and punches launched back and forth, it is unclear how this will go for anyone who is unaware of the story of Macbeth. Of course I have read Macbeth more than once and I have seen some other film versions of the play so I knew what was coming.

There are still things in the film that I was unaware of. One such example is some of the costumes. Before the dinner party happens, we can see that Greta Scacchi's Lady Macbeth is wearing a punk style outfit which is not what expected. Sean Pertwee's Macbeth is wearing an outfit that looks like it is from the film, The Matrix (1999). Though at other times he looks like he works in a bar or a gambling place. Then on the other side, we have Ruth Gemmell's Lady Macduff whose outfit is drab. With the outfit and the serving up the 'slop' for dinner, she looks a little like a dinner lady.

Thinking of Lady Macbeth, I was confused how we never saw a scene where she was warned not to leave her home. Then again, the dinner party was amazing. First of all, there was a long table with multiple guests which made the scene feel more alive. Then when Banquo's ghost appeared, he shown to be seen by Macbeth, sitting in the seat Lennox pointed out, but not shown to be seen by anyone else. They all saw the seat empty while Macbeth got tormented by his once friend's ghost.

This was a very good film in my opinion, though it was not my favourite. I can agree that there were excellent aspects though some few things did confuse me. For that, I am giving the film a 7.5/10.

Until next time,

Thomas.