Patrick Stewart starred as Macbeth in Rupert Goold's acclaimed production of the Shakespeare play in London's West End in 2007 (as well as a limited run in New York in 2008). In this WNET and BBC co-production—originally broadcast in the U.S. on the PBS showcase Great Performances in 2010—director and cast are reunited, including Kate Fleetwood in the pivotal role of Lady Macbeth. Goold's ingenious interpretation, set in the chaos of an unnamed European war in which Macbeth is a loyal officer tempted by the predictive proclamations of three battlefield nurses (who seem to feed on the death around them), transforms into a symbolic re-creation of the Soviet Union at mid-century, with Macbeth as a Joseph Stalin–like tyrant with a paranoid streak. Like many of the best TV adaptations, Macbeth deftly combines the stylized designs of theater—enormous spaces, uncluttered sets, and simple but strong color schemes—with the intimacy and cinematic qualities of television. The Bard's classic drama casts a gloomy shadow as it follows Macbeth's descent from courageous soldier to ruthless despot who murders all rivals to his throne—the assassination of Banquo (Martin Turner), set on a train—is a particularly impressive piece of staging. While most of the violence occurs off-screen, there are some gruesome moments in this modern but largely faithful and complete version. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Macbeth
PBS, 180 min., TV-14, DVD: $19.99 April 11, 2011
Macbeth
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