Double feature of the week: Macbeth

Shakespeare has had many cinematic adaptations. Kenneth Branagh has directed several literal adaptations of various works. Baz Luhrmann’s ”Romeo + Juliet” was a modern day retelling that used the original dialogue and Julie Taymore’s “Titus (Andonicus)” was sort of a semi-modern meta retelling of the classic play. And if you really look at it, “The Taming of the Shrew” is the primary basis for a huge percentage of romantic comedies we see today. So this week, I wanted to take a look at a couple of retellings of one of my favorite plays: Macbeth.

"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing."

--Macbeth, Act V, scene v

Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa is your favorite director’s favorite director. He was very influenced by Shakespeare’s work and has done a couple of adaptations. Probably his best film, “Ran” (1985) is based on “King Lear.” But, I’m actually more of a fan of his Macbeth adaptation titled “Throne of Blood” (1957). Like “Ran”, he transfers the story to medieval Japan. The story follows Lord Washizu’s rise to power after being foretold his fortune by a mysterious old woman he meets in the Cobweb forest. The lead is played perfectly by Kurosawa’s favorite actor, Toshiro Mifune. And his Lady Washizu, played by Isuzu Yamada was quite frankly haunting. I think just behind “High and Low”, this is my 2^nd favorite from the truly legendary director. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a huge favor.

Next up we have a truly modern retelling of the same story. This one just happens to be much more on the lighter side. “Scotland, PA” (2001) stars James LeGros, Maura Tierney and Christopher Walken in the early 70’s Scotland, Pennsylvania (Shakespeare’s source for the story was the 11^th century King Macbeth of Scotland). Bad Company provides the soundtrack and the tragic tale is used to tell the story of the invention of the drive-through restaurant. I really love this film. Christopher Walken is fantastic as Lieutenant McDuff and Maura Tierney plays the Lady McBeth part very impressively. It’s fun to see how essentially the same story of a rise to power and subsequent fall can be told with a comedic ambiance that Shakespeare was also so well known for. It hits all of the same plot point as the source material, just hilariously.

Enjoy.