It is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Macbeth, on life

Moody, atmospheric adaptation of William Shakespeare's dark masterpiece starring the controversial actor/director Orson Welles, Macbeth is a satisfying viewing experience, especially for fans of theater and the immortal Bard of Avon.

It is apparent that Welles' version of Macbeth is a low-budget production, but he shows what a skilled director can do with limited resources in making a competent, enduring piece of cinema.

Nearly all scenes are shot on a soundstage with bizarre, frightening crags, peaks, and hideously barred windows, giving a highly satisfying visual effect, reminiscent of German Expressionism. Lighting is subdued with dramatic highlights. Most scenes occur at night - the witching hour, fit for frequent appearances of witches and specters. The lighting, in fact, gives the film a noirish, sinister cast, well in keeping with Shakespeare's gloomy tale of overweening ambition, betrayal, and paranoia.

Photography, by John L. Russell, is impeccable, using innovative camera angles and long shots to create a surreal atmosphere. The camera work and lighting were strongly reminiscent of the work done in Citizen Kane, considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made.

Orson Welles makes a convincing title character with his portrayal of the ambitious Macbeth, who, in accordance with prophecy is made Thane of Cawdor and then goes on to murder his king and usurp the throne of Scotland. Macbeth then alternates between pangs of remorse and more murder as the play moves inexorably to its finish, where Macbeth receives his well-deserved comeuppance. Welles interpretation of the famous lines of the play is dark and compelling.

The supporting cast includes Jeanette Nolan, as Lady Macbeth, the scourge that drives Macbeth to do the dark deeds that seal his fate. Roddy Macdowall and Dan O'Herlihy are also featured performers and do bang-up jobs in their portrayals.

Macbeth, like many of Welles' works had been cut and reedited by the studio prior to release, however the 45th Anniversary video released by Republic Pictures has the entire original 112 minute version, directed by Orson Welles and fully restored to brilliant black and white. The players also speak in Scotch accents in the restored version, which was not true of the popularly released version.

The plays of Shakespeare are strong meat to the average viewer but for the connoisseur they are well worth the viewing. Macbeth by Orson Welles is one of the best of the genre.



Recommended: Yes