If the production of a play is very popular or well received by critics it can sometimes be put on film. That is the case with this version of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Originally done for television from Trevor Nunn's stage production, it is a bared-down to the bone interpretation driven not by spectacle but by raw acting. It is as if you are watching first-rate theater right in front of you.Ian McKellen is brilliant as Macbeth as he captures his gradual decent into madness very effectively and with much nuance. The twitchy, nervous nature that he gives in his performance is just right for a man full of ambition, guilt, and fear. Judi Dench's portrayal of Lady Macbeth is a performance that is as great if not more so than McKellen's. She is a manipulative, frightening, and yet very human individual. Her famous sleepwalking scene is the finest piece of acting you will ever see. Ian McDiarmid (best known as The Emperor in Star Wars) is wonderful in the dual role of both Ross and The Porter. Also, Roger Rees, John Woodvine, and Bob Peck give fine performances as well. What is particularly remarkable is the minimalist way in which it is all done. The setting is all pitch-black. There are very little props and the costumes are relatively simple in fact they never change. It is filmed with both imaginative lighting and with many close ups. On whole, this interpretation is one that is intentionally stark and claustrophobic. This probably how theater would have been like during Elizabethan times. Much is suggested rather than being presented. Yet, this makes sense since Macbeth is a play in which Shakespeare's words can creates images for you to picture for yourself. The Polanski film is perhaps the best cinematic version of the Bard's bloody masterpiece but if you want to watch the best one done for the stage, then this might be it.

This is one of the worst adaptations of Macbeth. Ever. The acting is horribly overdone, the fading accents are reminiscent of Kevin Costner in Robin Hood, and the plot is very hard to follow, even for someone who has read the original play. The only redeeming qualities are the lighting and camera angles. The lighting, although mildly distracting, is inventive and effective. The camera angles are very good, although they sometimes make it hard to see who is talking to whom, and what about. The lack of a set makes it seem more authentic, and accents the (bad) acting. Watch if you dare...Nah, its not quite that bad. Watch only if you are interested in the technical aspect. Or you enjoy making fun of bad acting.

This TV version of Macbeth is absolutely fabulous. I was skeptical at first - thought the play couldn't be done well to a camera, but I was dead wrong. Review the story (you can google it online) before watching, to make sure you have all the characters straight, and then you'll be ready to sit back (or I should say SIT UP!) and enjoy this chilling story of what happens when ambition becomes lust. The witch scenes are as creepy as I've ever seen them done, almost Satanic. The "Out out, damned spot" scene is frightening, pitiful, spooky...Judy Dench is the BEST!! And the most outstanding scene of all is the dining scene, when Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost - I've never seen it done this way, and it was awesome, disturbing, scary, and satisfying. Gotta love the Scottish play!!Added bonus, if you get the DVD, is a long interview with Ian McKellen - a Shakespeare education in a nutshell from one of the great British actors of our time. That alone is worth the price. This would be great in a classroom.

Possible to find a "perfect" adaptation of a Shakespeare play? If this production isn't it, I don't know what is. The entire script is used to full effect, with magnificent performances all round. Shakespeare's portrait of human evil has never looked better.