|
 |
Shakespeare
Online
The Hollywood
Bard
Macbeth
 While
the Internet Movie Database
lists some 37 different versions of "Macbeth" (or some
variation thereof), I've only seen one version: the 1948
Orson Welles treatment. It was very good, but keep in mind
that it is Welles' version (i.e., focussing more on the
visual aspects than the dialogue, which is sometimes muffled
and hard to hear, possibly because of budget problems similar
to the ones he had on Othello). Other notable cast members include
Dan O'Herlihy as Macduff and Roddy MacDowall as Malcolm. Amazon.com
sells the 45th Anniversary Edition, which I haven't seen, and
honestly, I don't know how it differs from the original 1948
release, or if the Anniversary Edition was just an excuse to
release the movie again. (Which would be unfortunate: they shouldn't
need an excuse to re-release such a great film.)
There seem to be quite a few interesting versions out there,
though, especially of the made-for-TV variety. One has Jason
Connery (Sean's son?) as Macbeth and Helen Baxendale (Ross' ex-wife
Emily on "Friends") as Lady Macbeth. Another, made
just a couple of years ago, has Greta Scacchi as Lady Macbeth.
My local Blockbuster also has the Roman Polanski version, and
I plan to rent that one soon. |
