Macbeth (1981)
An adaptation of Shakespeare's play.
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People are mistaking the subtle nature film allows with Shakespeare on state. There are no closeups, or music to convey emotion, it all must come from the actors. Like silent movies, it looks like overacting to the untrained eye, but like Noh Theater, the action must be conveyed in body movements akin to dance. Jeremy Brett meets this challenge with brilliant subtly one second and booming voice sure to be heard in the bleachers. The other actors however, are awful. Lady MacBeth is the worst. The rest seem to barely remember their lines, reciting them in a monotone barely worthy of a grade school production. Watch it for Jeremy, the rest (as Hamlet would say) SHOULD be silence.
I find that the worst rating is totally inaccurate. Jeremy Brett performed MacBeth in a grand Shakespearian style. His performance out did all other movies and plays of MacBeth. The plain set with limited props was able to create Macbeth in a true Shakespearian style. Those who may not have liked the performance might not have expected the movie in play form. It was outstanding and I would consider it excellent.
Not only is this the worst interpretation ( OR LACK THEREOF ) of Shakespeare's classic , it also includes one of the worst performances by a great actor ever witnessed. The brilliant Jeremy Brett is so over the top its laughable. not since peter o'toole's henry higgin's has there been such a loud bellowing performance so devoid of human emotion. Piper Laurie is also awful as his Lady. it seems the production was put up in a matter of days for a "take the money and run.' pay check. UNINSPIRED WITH NO VISION IS THE BOTTOM LINE.
Jeremy Bret gives a great, eccentric performance in this performance of Shakespere's classic play. The locations are all on stage, so the sets are not fancy. Still, the acting more than makes up for it and the action scenes are well done as well. Any fan of the play cannot go wrong with this performance.