This (wonderful) production highlights the Christian v. pagan elements of the play, and in other ways deals in opposites (men's v. women's perceptions of political alliances, the solid v. spirit worlds, etc.), but without beating you over the head with it. The Weird Sisters' scenes are amazing--the production borrows from Irish "bog people" imagery with the witches' stick puppets representing Macbeth's visions. The production recalls the minimal "circle" staging of Equus, with the actors seated around the circle when not "on." Minimal props and furniture; the actors carry it all the way, brilliantly. I can't imagine anyone doing a better, more visceral and committed job with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth than Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. It could sell huge-for a Shakespeare film-if only it weren't obviously a taped stage production (it doesn't try to be otherwise, and is very well lit and photographed). Look for the red-and-green light cues when Macbeth greets the king-a subtle, chilling reference to Macbeth's later musings on his hands stained with the king's blood. A couple of turtlenecks among the costumes betray the 70's-era staging, but otherwise the costuming is great and doesn't date the production. If you a) are a McKellen or Dench fan and b) appreciate great Shakespeare performances and want to be "in the know" on what's considered the definitive Macbeth staging of the past couple decades, this is the one.
