Rotten
Does Polanski's Macbeth work? Not especially, but it was an admirable try.
Variety Staff, Variety
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Macbeth
Overview
Scotland, 11th century. Driven by the twisted prophecy of three witches and the ruthless ambition of his wife, warlord Macbeth, bold and brave, but also weak and hesitant, betrays his good king and his brothers in arms and sinks into the bloody mud of a path with no return, sown with crime and suspicion.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
78%
Tomatometer
Fresh
The wide-screen visuals swamp the dialogue, and the thematics have been turned inside out -- but that's what movie adaptations ought to do.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Rotten
Polanski's evident desire to elicit understated, naturalistic performances from his cast also underplays the poetry of the play...
Derek Adams, Time Out
Fresh
This is an original film by an original film artist, and not an 'interpretation.'
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Rotten
The film's bear-baiting, barnyard pageantry is less convincing than its clammy locations.
J. Hoberman, Village Voice
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