Annis's Character Portrayal Of Lady Macbeth example essay topic

A "New' Macbeth Often "New' Macbeth Essay, Research Paper Often when a famous book is made into a motion picture, the product lacks some of the intensity of the original story. However, Roman Polanski's re-creation of Macbeth is one of extraordinary measure. The film is particularly well produced. It presents an accurate representation of the author's original text. However, in this production of Shakespeare's masterpiece, a new "twist' is incorporated into the script. Polanski's Macbeth reveals a unique interpretation of the roles of political opportunism and character portrayal in the story, while enhancing the tale with remarkably gory detail.

It is obvious to the most casual observer that political opportunism plays a huge role in Macbeth, especially through characters such as Ross and Donalbain. The original piece portrays Macbeth himself to be an incredible opportunist (that is, he is a man who works simply to improve his political position). In addition to this, Polanski utilizes other characters to encompass political opportunism in his film. Ross, for instance, was a "devoted' follower of Macbeth at the start of the story. He was involved in the murder of Banque and the obliteration of Macduff's castle and family.

However, when Macbeth chooses Seton over Ross as thane, Ross turns against the king and goes to England to find Macduff. Polanski makes Ross's elfish ways evident with certain camera-shots (such as the actor's disappointed face when he is not awarded the position that he desired). Also, Polanski's film leaves the audience with the picture of Donalbain seeking the witches, which implies that he too is looking to acquire great opportunities. Since elements of political opportunism are revealed in a visual sense, Polanski's usage of them creates conspiracy. Another unique variation in Polanski's film is the way Francesca Annis interprets her role as Lady Macbeth. Shakespeare originally created the character as strong and manipulative.

She used her ominous nature to get what she wanted from her husband. Yet Annis portrays her more seductively. She uses beauty and charm to influence her husband. Her relationship with Macbeth is passionate; in order to get her way she acts as a "damsel in distress'. Thus, in the film, she is a much weaker character. Also, the actress's understanding of her character results in Lady Macbeth becoming even more of a dramatic foil to her husband.

The fact that he is enthralled by her and acts upon her distorted wishes makes Macbeth an even bigger fool. Francesca Annis's relationship with the audience is quite different from the storybook relationship of the audience and Lady Macbeth. In the literature she is viewed more negatively, while in the film she is much more likable. She is a young and beautiful actress who is mesmerizing on the screen. It is no wonder that Macbeth is so controlled by her, as men often see beauty before intelligence. Thus, Annis's character portrayal of Lady Macbeth is accurate, as she does not need to be controlling and powerful as long as she is sweet and seductive In addition to interpreting the classic literature in a new way, the film version of Macbeth visually enhances the plot.

There is a wealth of violence, blood, and nudity. One of the opening scenes of the movie shows the hanging of the Thane of Candor, which is a mere indication of the horror that is in store for the audience. One of the most chilling incidents occurs when Macbeth (John Finch) sneaks into King Duncan's (John Stride) room intending to murder him and, just before he stabs him, the king awakens and watches Macbeth take his life. This is quite disturbing. There is also an exorbitant amount of bloodshed; even an occasional decapitation is not unthinkable. The battles are well-choreographed and several of the fights cause the audience to cringe as if they feel the actor's pain.

Although the bloodshed is excessive, it is necessary in order for viewers to understand the severity of the murders. Also, there is ample nudity. The witches are viewed in the nude, which augments their ghastliness. The visual effects used in Polanski's film are great enrichment's to the fundamental plot. Roman Polanski's re-creation of Shakespeare's Macbeth is quite an effective and truthful film. It portrays the work in a new light and augments some visual effects that add to the greatness of the original text.

Though many audiences are appalled by the graphic violence and haunting conspiracies the film presents, they are in fact quite adequate in correctly portraying the dreadfulness of Macbeth.