Polanski’s Version of Macbeth Essay - 2151 Words

Polanski’s Version of Macbeth Prior to discussing its validity, Pearlman’s assertion requires some clarification. It is understood to suggest that through the depiction of tenth or eleventh century Scotland, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and Polanski’s cinematic version of it, present particular views of the political world.[1] The issues, which the play and the film raise, are generic, in that they can apply beyond the specific setting. Although Pearlman records Polanski’s own observation that the scene in which Macduff’s castle is invaded draws on his own life experiences,[2] his assertion does not suggest that the play and film represent the comprehensive worldviews of Shakespeare and Polanski†¦show more content†¦The early scenes of Polanski’s Macbeth mirror and expand upon elements of pessimism in Shakespeare’s play. The opening scene of the film reinterprets that of the play by focusing on the impending demise of Cawdor and prefacing the transfer of th e mantle of ambition and disloyalty from Cawdor to Macbeth, which Shakespeare’s text subsequently implies. The beach on which the three witches meet is the same beach on which the fighting is later shown to have taken place and Cawdor captured. The circle, which they draw in the sand, symbolises Cawdor’s fate drawing to a close and the beginning of another cycle of disorder through Macbeth. The burying of a hangman’s noose previews Cawdor’s death, which Polanski dramatises later in the film, while the severed hand holding a dagger which is laid over the noose also previews that ‘dagger’ which ‘marshall’st’ Macbeth to murder Duncan (2.1.33 42).[4] Thus, ‘ere the set of sun’ and ‘When the hurly-burly’s done’ / When the battle’s lost and won’ Cawdor’s fate will be sealed and it will be time for the witches to ‘meet with Macbeth’ (1.1.5, 3-4 8). Amongst the possible interpretations of the role of the witches, which Shakespeare’s text permits, the opening scene of Polanski’s Macbeth emphasises their role as ‘weird sisters’ (3.4.132), instruments of fate.[5] They can beShow MoreRelatedMacbeth, By William Shakespeare1416 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeare’s tragic play Macbeth is widely renowned and respected as one of the most influential works in history. Taylah Thirlwall compares Geoffrey Wright’s 2006 film to Roman Polanski’s 1971 film, and scrutinizes the portrayal of Masculinity. Using guns for swords and drugs for poison, the Melbourne’s Underground becomes a frolicking pitch for Wright’s Macbeth. Daggers, illusion and battling provides a framework into the highlighted theme of masculinity. What is masculinity, and theRead MoreMacBeth Versions Comparison Essay547 Words   |  3 PagesMacBeth versions comparison essay There are many differences between interpretations of William Shakespeares MacBeth. 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