Macbeth (1998)

Director:

Paul Winarski

Writers:

William Shakespeare (play)
Cillín Perera (screenplay)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

By the pricking of My thumbs, somthing wicked this way comes.

Plot:

Shakespeare's classic tale of a noble general spurred to regicide by his ambitious, alluring wife and the prophecy of 3 mysterious fortune tellers. |

Plot Keywords:

Existential | William Shakespeare | Shakespeare's Macbeth | Independent Film | Based On Play

Cast

Stephen J. Lewis	...	Macbeth
Dawn Winarski	...	Lady Macbeth
John Schugard	...	Banquo
Scott Vinnacombe	...	Malcom
Greg Korin	...	Duncan / Porter
Jon Morris	...	Ross
Wally Kulick	...	Witch 1
Vanessa Norton	...	Witch 2
Linda Girlock	...	Witch 3
Scott Werbin	...	Macduff
David Kasmark	...	Seyton / Donalbain
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Bill Falzone	...	Lennox
Michelle Simko	...	Gentlewoman
Benjamin Stark	...	Young Macduff
Jessica Werbin	...	Lady Macduff

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Company:

Showcase Films Inc.

Movie Connections:

Version of "Estudio 1: Macbeth" (1966)

Stunning independent film.

All the pathos, terror and humanity of Shakespeare's play comes to life in this facinating film from theatrical director Paul Winarski. although filmed on an obviously low budget the images created are overwhelming. Performances are consistently strong. Stephen Leis in the title role shows the strength of a military leader and the weaknesses of a man consumed by guilt, prophecy and a blood thirsty wife. Similarly Dawn Winarski infuses Her Lady Macbeth with passion, sexuality and venom. It is obvious why She can so easily lead he husband down the garden path to Hell. These two fine perfomances are at the root of the production..Lewis and Winarski play off of each other with fine chemistry. Only Ian McKellen and Judi Dench best these two in chemistry.

Other strong performances are performed by John Schugard as Banquo,creepily stoic in the ghost scene,and Greg Korin as the doomed Duncan..Korin doubles as the Porter and is hysterically funny just when the mood needs relief.

The witches are also a revelation,Director Winarski has them speak many lines in a round causing them to act as one unit.

There are some minor problems,due to the cinematography, but as an artistic presentation the Macbeth more than succeeds in its mission.