Summary Of Macbeth By Roman Polanski

Roman Polanski’s film of The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare (1971)
Cast: Jon Finch, Francesca Annis, Martin Shaw, Terence Bayler
Synopsis: Roman Polanski’s Macbeth is a grim, blood-soaked adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Macbeth tells a story of a tragic Scottish soldier named Macbeth (Jon Finch) and his young wife (Francesca Annis). Macbeth receives a prophecy from three witches; saying he will become Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Fife, and then “King hereafter”. When one of these prophecies comes true, Macbeth realizes that it’s possible to become king. He then sends a letter to his wife explaining the train of events and she fears that her husband is too weak to seize the opportunity so she manipulates Macbeth into killing. He
Jon Finch and Francesca Annis star as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth with an amazing supporting cast. Polanski’s choice to cast Lady Macbeth and Macbeth characters so young changed the dynamics of Shakespeare’s original text. Annis’ portrayal of Lady Macbeth was debated; critics thought “by casting her as a young, presumably fertile woman, Lady Macbeth seemed driven more by ambition than by desperation” however, I disagree I think she was driven by impulse and thoughtless actions. Lady Macbeth being casted so young made her seem more innocent and reckless and because of this her actions would be the result of an inexperienced, foolish girl. For example, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth discussed murdering Duncan in the middle of a banquet which seemed very impulsive, irrational and childlike. The impulsive and irrational behavior remind me of my nieces when I ask them what they want to do for the day and they tell me they want to go visit their Uncle Michael in Wyoming. Lady Macbeth’s physical appearance also ties into her innocence. Throughout the film her long strawberry colored hair lies nicely on her shoulders, she was wearing either partial white or white clothing which usually symbolizes purity and