TV film review: Macbeth (1983) directed Jack Gold.

I just wanted to start off by wishing all those who celebrate a very happy Christmas! I am also going to give you another review, this time of the 1983 TV film of Macbeth. This is quite possibly a favourite of all the different films of Shakespeare's plays I have seen. At the start of the play, the witches are presented looking like rocks. The way they blend in with the background is clever. Then when they unfurl and show themselves in full, standing up it can be seen that they are wearing ragged clothing. Brenda Bruce, Annie Dyson and Eileen Way play the three witches well, offering a good visual idea of the witches. What adds to their opening scene is how lightning is used. It not only boosts the supernatural and mysterious atmosphere.

The film additionally stood out thanks to Jane Lapotaire's Lady Macbeth who portrayed the character excellently with a huge depth to the character of Lady Macbeth and a range of such strong and vivid emotions. One particular scene is when Lady Macbeth cannot bring herself to kill Duncan so Macbeth does it and then comes out with the daggers. The whole interaction between them is brilliant because you could see the intensity there. Both Nicol Williamson and Jane Lapotaire work wonderful together, which not every pairing necessarily can.

There was another scene that stood out to me and that was the banquet that the Macbeth's had with their friends. Unlike some other versions of the film or even the stage play, in this film we do not seen the ghost of Banquo because Ian Hogg (who played Banquo) was not present at the seat suggested to Macbeth. I think it can work having Banquo's ghost and can work not having Banquo's ghost. Personally, I prefer to see Banquo's ghost because it adds to the element of supernatural and adds more drama. I think if I was going to direct a film based on Macbeth, I would show Banquo's ghost in the seat then do a wide camera shot to show everyone at the table, with that same seat empty. This would then offer what Macbeth sees and what the others see. The whole idea of Macbeth being haunted by Banquo's ghost is cool! Shakespeare had a good idea here.

This film version was a good one, utilising good actors and staying true to the text of the play, which in this case was a good thing. I really enjoyed watching this film version of Macbeth and am giving it a 9/10.


Until then,


Thomas.

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