Shakespeare Retold Review Final

Comparative review of Polanski’s ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Shakespeare Retold’ directed by Mark Brozel

Macbeth is a story of passion, power, and violent betrayal: all of which are found in both Polanski’s ‘Macbeth’ and the BBC’s contemporary adaptation of ‘Shakespeare Retold’ directed by Mark Brozel. Both films set in Scotland, follow the original plot from Macbeth, however, Brozel’s rendition does not depict the traditional interpretation as Polanski’s did, instead using modern day language to better relate the Shakespearian classic to today’s audience.
Polanski’s ‘Macbeth’ placed in a traditional setting, allows the viewer to be immersed in the complete realism, a world away from the stylised likes of ‘Shakespeare Retold’. The intensification and brutality highlight the violent realities of war and murder. In the original text, Shakespeare confined most of Macbeth’s violence to offstage; however Polanski moved blades, blood and all, to the centre of his adaptation, executing the piece colder than the textual analogue. The major symbol of blood is a powerful visual effect successfully utilised in Polanski’s ‘Macbeth’ to further enhance Shakespeare’s original theme. Polanski’s interpretative choice by the portrayal of two youthful main characters emphasises the pure passion of the great tragedy. Because the two characters are so young, their naïve personas are alleviated through a lust for material gain and recognition. The vindictive tone Lady Macbeth uses conveys ambition in her thoughts and aspirations but lacks maturity while incorporating a naive inability to see the consequences of her actions. This passion is increasingly effective in displaying the power and influential actions Lady Macbeth has over her husband. Polanski’s film Macbeth displays an in-depth look and understanding of Shakespeare’s original play. The interpretive film uses character casting, shot design, and symbolism to engage its viewer’s attentions by adding to the plot of the play. All in all, Polanski’s film was an interpretive success and truly a visual masterpiece for its time.
In comparison to Polanski’s blood-filled horror production, ‘Shakespeare Retold’ directed by Mark Brozel, was a fairly amiable take on such a dramatic piece; however, it lacks the ability to bring Shakespeare’s crafted language and symbolism into view. In this rendition of Macbeth, Joe Macbeth “the kitchen warrior” is head chef in Duncan Doherty’s award-winning three star restaurant. His wife Ella Macbeth is the manager and resembles a powerful, strong willed female character who appeals to her husband’s ambition. The two are overworked and under-appreciated by Duncan, which inevitably suggests their desire for Duncan’s demise. The connection between Ella and Joe Macbeth was well depicted from the perspective of modern society, yet the chemistry lacked depth and intensity with a distinct absence of passion between the two. The effective placement of Joe Macbeth in the centre of the knife holder in the opening scenes in the kitchen, emphasise his inevitable outcome. Mark Brozel’s film uses a lot of montages the majority of Ella washing her hands to depict the gradual change in psychological order after knowing Joe’s prophecy of becoming head chef. Audiences are shown montages of Ella throughout the film which accentuate her guilt and retribution.
From a personal perspective, although both productions of Macbeth were well interpreted, I preferred Polanski’s ‘Macbeth’ over ‘Shakespeare Retold’ due to the traditional setting and the intensified realism that was portrayed. Although the film was slow to begin, it had more depth and I enjoyed how it reflected the stereotypical old-English style. I felt that ‘Shakespeare Retold’ made an unsuccessful attempt to recreate the story in a modern context, and while it was entertaining, it did not enrapture the ambition, lust and influence of the supernatural, which in many ways, dictated Macbeth’s outcome.