Undoubtedly, William Shakespeare's Macbeth is an exceptional tragedy. He ranks among the greatest playwrights who have ever lived and his plays continue to be exclusively performed by a dedicated company. What sets him apart as a writer is his belief that only through performance can a play be fully appreciated. This coursework will explore the differences between Roman Polanski's interpretation and Trevor Nunn's version of Macbeth produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In my opinion, this particular rendition contains both favorable and unfavorable attributes. Naturally, as it is a cinematic adaptation, it undoubtedly had a more substantial financing which consequently allowed for film indulgences such as special effects and superior costumes and locations for the scene. The scene itself is situated in three distinct locations imbued with a strikingly medieval aesthetic. Unlike the RSC's performance which
...is confined to a stage, the film version portrays the scene occurring in Scotland. More specifically, in a dungeon lit by torches with Macbeth presiding alongside two murderers after Banquo's assassination. The overall appearance of the production stands out as a primary discrepancy between the two variations.
Compared to a staged version, this production is set inside a castle which provides a more realistic and grand environment. This tangible setting helps in understanding the scene and enhances the viewing experience. The superior costume design in this production is due to its larger budget as opposed to the RSC production that used black trench coats. Although some actors struggle with accurately portraying their characters' emotions, the acting overall remains relatively subdued.
The scene in Macbeth has been made more thrilling by significantly reducing the script to only highlight the most important
aspects. However, the portrayal of the main characters lacks certain qualities as John Finch's performance is too relaxed at the beginning of the scene and the murderers appear excessively nervous.
While dining, John Finch observes a ghost and Francesca Annis appears to be overwhelmed. Despite the ghastly appearance of the ghost, including blood dripping down its face, John Finch doesn't seem as scared as one might anticipate. The special effects contribute to the authenticity of the scene. Additionally, this adaptation enjoys the advantage of being able to record and play dialogue alongside acting, simplifying monologue performances compared to those on stage.
In this rendition, the scene incorporates strings and dissonant bagpipes to create a twisted yet impactful atmosphere. One notable example is during Banquo's pursuit of Macbeth in the dining hall, which is intensified by the music. Additionally, torches and candles are predominantly used for lighting, contributing to a medieval ambiance. Overall, Roman Polanski prioritizes the visual elements such as setting, costuming, and effects over the actors' performances.
Unfortunately, the poor acting adversely affects this version.
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