Watch Macbeth

Macbeth is a 1971 adaptation of the eponymous tragedy by William Shakespeare directed by Roman Polanski. The film stars Jon Finch as Macbeth, Francesca Annis as Lady Macbeth, and Martin Shaw as Banquo. The movie follows the story of a Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become king. Driven by his ambition, Macbeth murders the current king, Duncan, with the help of his wife Lady Macbeth. However, guilt and paranoia begin to consume Macbeth's mind, leading to a chain of betrayals, murders, and bloodshed that ultimately leads to his downfall.

Macbeth is set in medieval Scotland, and the movie is shot on location in Northumberland and Scotland. The film has a raw and gritty atmosphere, with the use of the natural surroundings creating a sense of realism. The cinematography, courtesy of Gilbert Taylor, is beautifully rendered, and the use of close-ups to highlight the emotions of the characters is masterful.

The acting in the movie is exquisite, with Jon Finch delivering a standout performance as the titular character, Macbeth. His portrayal of a man driven mad by his ambition is both fierce and emotive. Francesca Annis is equally mesmerizing as Lady Macbeth, who is every bit as ambitious as her husband. Her performance is one of the highlights of the film. Martin Shaw is a great fit for the role of Banquo, and his chemistry with Finch is terrific.

Macbeth is a dark and gruesome story, and Polanski doesn't hold back in his depiction of the violence. The murder scenes are intense and graphic, and the blood and gore are visceral. The film is rated R, and it is definitely not suitable for younger viewers.

The musical score by the Polish composer, Krzysztof Komeda, is haunting and eerie, and it perfectly captures the mood of the film. The use of traditional Scottish music lends authenticity to the movie and creates an immersive experience for the viewer.

The film stays true to Shakespeare's play, with the exception of a few minor changes. The witches are portrayed as foul and grotesque, emphasizing their otherworldly nature. The famous soliloquy, "Out, damned spot!", is included in the movie but is presented in a distorted and disjointed manner that emphasizes Lady Macbeth's madness.

Overall, Macbeth is a cinematic masterpiece that manages to capture the raw emotions of the characters while keeping true to Shakespeare's original play. Polanski's direction is masterful, and the performances by the actors are nothing short of exceptional. The movie may be too intense for some viewers, but for those who appreciate Shakespeare and are willing to be transported to medieval Scotland, it is a must-watch.

Macbeth is a 1971 war movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.