Macbeth the Play and Macbeth the Movie
What are the differences between Macbeth the Play by Shakespeare and Macbeth the Movie directed by Roman Polanski?
Very few! Polanski tends to stick scrupulously to his sources. We may not think of the characters in Macbeth as so young as he depicts them, but when you think about it, especially Macbeth's concerns about the children he and Lady Macbeth don't have yet, it makes good sense. Likewise, when Fleance runs away while the murderers are attacking his father, it seems more acceptable for Fleance to be a little boy than a young man. Then of course, it's very doubtful that Shakespeare ever intended for Lady Macbeth to sleepwalk nude--but, now that his female characters are portrayed by women, why not?
Two definite differences: Look at what Polanski does with Ross. He's never anywhere in the movie that Shakespeare didn't put him, and he doesn't say a word that Shakespeare didn't put in his mouth, but-- Then Donalbain seems to be an allusion to another Shakespeare character, Richard III. He limps. And the end of the movie makes any viewer shiver who knows what the historic DonaldBain did.
Now, if you haven't seen the movie, you'd better watch it now! It can help you understand the play better. Links to the play, movie and more differences between the two are above!
Very few! Polanski tends to stick scrupulously to his sources. We may not think of the characters in Macbeth as so young as he depicts them, but when you think about it, especially Macbeth's concerns about the children he and Lady Macbeth don't have yet, it makes good sense. Likewise, when Fleance runs away while the murderers are attacking his father, it seems more acceptable for Fleance to be a little boy than a young man. Then of course, it's very doubtful that Shakespeare ever intended for Lady Macbeth to sleepwalk nude--but, now that his female characters are portrayed by women, why not?
Two definite differences: Look at what Polanski does with Ross. He's never anywhere in the movie that Shakespeare didn't put him, and he doesn't say a word that Shakespeare didn't put in his mouth, but-- Then Donalbain seems to be an allusion to another Shakespeare character, Richard III. He limps. And the end of the movie makes any viewer shiver who knows what the historic DonaldBain did.
Now, if you haven't seen the movie, you'd better watch it now! It can help you understand the play better. Links to the play, movie and more differences between the two are above!
The Tragedy of Macbeth (1971) Roman Polanski - Trailer
Pictures from the set of Macbeth the Movie directed by Roman Polanski