Macbeth (1948)
01/10/2015 14:46
Shakespeare is the definitive writer; it's hundreds of years since he created his works and yet we still adapt and interpret his work. There's yearly versions of his plays on the stage, for example Hamlet is going strong with actor Benedict Cumberbatch at the seat of the would be Prince's throne. There is 
a multitude of references on tragic lovers Romeo and Juliet in pop culture today. And that's just the mainstream tip of the iceberg... In fact, the writers work is seen as a pinnacle of acting and filmmaking if you get cast in an adaptation.
Arguably, no one ever got Shakespeare quite like American Orson Welles and the actor had been defining the text of the Bard from his birth to his untimely death (I say untimely because despite the fact he would be 100 now, it's still a massive blow). Directing and starring in the film, Orson Welles dared to be different.
To celebrate maybe new adaptation of Macbeth, starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, I'm taking a look at one of the definitive interpretation of the Scottish Play.
Macbeth is the tale of the titular Scotsman who, on a battlefield, sees three witches who predict prophecies to him; including tell him that he will be King. Telling his wife of the story, she has a wicked plan to enact - they kill the current King Duncan and assume the throne. However, when they commit the act, they are unaware of just how much anguish they are about to place upon themselves. Drunk with power and ambition, the pair are set upon a dark course of fate where blood and murder reign…
As discussed before, Orson Welles career was often plighted by budget constraints and studio interference. You’d genuinely think that Welles could get anything at the snap of his fingers but his films were often seen as too contemporary for his time, and didn’t fit the style of Hollywood at the time. So when you watch it back, the movie is somewhat strained. It isn’t as perfect as all of Welles visions; at a times it shakes with the lack of support and finance and there are some awful Scottish accents that - if you’ve sat through shit like Green Street, Mary Poppins, and Ocean’s Eleven, you can move past. With these weaknesses, Macbeth was seemingly scurried away which is a shame because the movie was highly above its time.
Macbeth is one of the richer adaptations of the play. Welles has been best known for being able to find the deeper meaning for Shakespeare’s work and through his sweeping camera angles and haunting cinematography, Welles is plentiful in its gothic elements. Dark and brooding, this moody atmosphere is palpable as the madness of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth unravel. Utilising the shadows that bring the forests and highlands of Scotland to this set, Welles drenches Macbeth in a bleakness that was almost unseen by an established actor working in 1948.
Of course, cast himself as the lead role and there is no denying this power at engaging. Alongside actress Jeanette Nolan (who, by the way, is the voice of Mother Tweed in The Fox and the Hound so there’s a factoid for your pub quizzes,) the pair’s insanity and chemistry become just as redolent as the scenery and story. Immediately you are enthralled into the characters and it is utterly unforgettable, Welles’ eyes pour into you visceral sorrow and undeniable rage…It’s chilling to watch.
Able to capture the astonishing emotions within Macbeth, Welles is simply a genius and whilst it isn’t a polished product as Citizen Kane was, it is extremely good.