April 5 Journal: Macbeth Film Reflection

Now that you have viewed Roman Polanski's film version of Macbeth, you are asked to write a review.

First, some background.

Wikipedia article on its production.

Polanski discussing "the making of"

Movie review from Roger Ebert

Movie review from the A.V. Club

For your reflection:

1. Read the two existing reviews above and compare/ contrast. What things do you agree or disagree with, after having seen the film?

2. What kinds of things could the medium of cinema provide that a stage production could not? What are the disadvantages of a film version? Comment on use of costumes, sound/music, lighting, character appearance, and locations / sets.

3. What artistic liberties did Polanski take, as you compare the written play with his version?

4. What do you think went well with the film? What would you have changed if you had been the director? Would you defend Polanski's decisions to make this so gory?

Note: there are some backstory quotes on our MacPadlet