Macbeth
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DVD details
Actor: Gary Sweet, Lachy HulmeBrand: ABE
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 110 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-09-25
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
DVD Reviews of Macbeth
DVD Review: Something Ho-Hum This Way Comes.....
Summary: 2 Stars
WARNING
I like "Macbeth" the best of Shakespeare's plays, partially because at least I can understand it. I'm college educated but not an academic, and unfortunately, with Shakespeare I usually only get about half of what's being said. (I'm sorry; I'm not so up on my 17th Century allusions.) But the play "Macbeth" is swift, clear, comparatively short, and the piece's themes are within grasp. Also, if properly done, its scary...which is involving.
I like when Shakespeare's plays are transported into non-traditional settings...THAT WORK. Moving this particular play to a modern-day, drug cartel environment -- as this version does -- doesn't quite snap into place, however.
The main problem with this adaptation is its actors, all of who, I am sure, have been or will be effective in other roles. But if this play is about Macbeth, then it seems to me you should have a very strong personality playing that role. Sam Worthington is handsome-ish, which is always nice, but seems too placid and withdrawn. Even if this king needs prodding from his wife to seize the day, he's still supposed to be a hungry and driven type. Worthington is neither of those things. The characterization of Lady M laid out here doesn't serve Victoria Hill any better. First she's shown weeping at her dead son's grave, which is an interesting touch...but then how does that merge with her later (famous) claim that she's sooner dash that baby's brains out than break a promise to her husband? There is simply no dynamic between this couple that conveys a deep partnership or shared destiny. Or even a mutual, morbid greed.
Just about the only addition to this version I liked was that King Duncan is put up in a separate guest house on the Macbeth's property when he visits, which allows for some sneaking around in the dark, and explains why the other guests don't hear anything. But in an example of how this setting doesn't serve the text, since everyone else is killed with guns, why would Macbeth and his wife choose to stab their guest to death??? It just seems awkward. (And why does everyone think it's natural for Banquo's sons to turn into a long line of drug "kings"; aren't most cartels wiped out before they become multi-generational?) Similarly, how can Macbeth repeatedly call the three witches "hags" when they're nubile centerfolds rolling around in bed with him? And how did all the gross ingredients get into Macbeth's kitchen for the "Double double / Toil and trouble" scene? It makes more sense if Macbeth travels to meet them on their own turf for that, as originally written. (There's also something more sinister and isolated about his having to travel into an otherworldly wasteland to see them.)
The final problem (which also crops up in Roman Polanski's FAR FAR superior version) is that many of the monologues are superimposed in voice-over while we watch closeups of the actors. There's something transporting and glorious about watching really well-trained actors dive into these speeches...but to watch a solemn face as the lines are recited on a separate track? Why bother?
Description of Macbeth
Synopsis:Item Type: DVD Movie
Item Rating: NR
Street Date: 09/25/07
Wide Screen: yes
Director Cut: no
Special Edition: no
LanguageENGLISH
Foreign Film: no
Subtitlesno
Dubbed: no
Full Frame: no
Re-Release: no
Packaging: Sleeve Please note: This supplier will be closed on 11/24, 11/25, 12/26, 1/2 for the holidays. The shipping cut off is 12/10 to try and have the products delivered by Christmas.
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