Macbeth Movie Review 1971

Polanski's notorious adaptation of the Shakespearean classic, marked by realistic design, unflinching violence, and fatalistic atmosphere. Finch and Annis star as Macbeth and his equally murderous lady (who appears nude in the sleepwalking scene). Polanski's first film following the grisly murder of his pregnant wife, actress Sharon Tate, was torn apart by critics but it contains stunning fight scenes and fine acting. It is in fact a worthy continuation of his work in the horror genre. Very well made. First film made by Playboy Enterprises. Originally rated X.

Distribution

Home Vision Cinema, c/o Image Entertainment, 20525 Nordhoff St., Ste. 200, Chatsworth, CA 91311, URL: http://www.homevision.com

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 139 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Tragedy, Royalty, Adapted from a Play, Plays to Film: William Shakespeare, Death & the Afterlife

Screenplay

Roman Polanski, Kenneth Tynan

Cast

Jon Finch, Nicholas Selby, Martin Shaw, Francesca Annis, Terence Baylor, John Stride, Stephan Chase, Noelle Rimmington, Maisie Farquhar, Elsie Taylor

Cinematography

Gilbert Taylor

Director

Roman Polanski

Producer

Andrew Draunsberg, Hugh Hefner