A Performance of Macbeth (1979 TV Movie) was directed by Philip Casson. The addition of "A Performance of" isn't exactly right. From that title, we would assume we'd be watching a theatrical performance before a live audience. That's not what we see. What we see is a reproduction of a very sparse production of the play that was directed, in Stratford, by Trevor Nunn.
Nunn's concept was to make a very basic production of Macbeth, suitable for a small theater in Stratford. No scenery and a mix of costumes. That's the performance we see on our TV screen. However, it's being staged in a studio, not a theater, with no audience.
Given those self-imposed limits, it's up to the actors to make the play work. I thought Ian McKellen as Macbeth was outstanding.
Dame Judi Dench is one of the great female actors of our era. However, I wasn't impressed with her portrayal of Lady Macbeth. Dench is five years older than McKellen, but she looked older than that. I think part of Lady Macbeth's actions derive from Macbeth's physical desire for her. That's not what Nunn and Casson gave us.
This is an interesting version of Macbeth, and worth watching. Because it was made for television, it will work well on the small screen. This Macbeth has to compete with about 75 (!) other film versions of the play. It has an impressive IMDb rating of 7.6. I agree, and rated it 8.
Nunn's concept was to make a very basic production of Macbeth, suitable for a small theater in Stratford. No scenery and a mix of costumes. That's the performance we see on our TV screen. However, it's being staged in a studio, not a theater, with no audience.
Given those self-imposed limits, it's up to the actors to make the play work. I thought Ian McKellen as Macbeth was outstanding.
Dame Judi Dench is one of the great female actors of our era. However, I wasn't impressed with her portrayal of Lady Macbeth. Dench is five years older than McKellen, but she looked older than that. I think part of Lady Macbeth's actions derive from Macbeth's physical desire for her. That's not what Nunn and Casson gave us.
This is an interesting version of Macbeth, and worth watching. Because it was made for television, it will work well on the small screen. This Macbeth has to compete with about 75 (!) other film versions of the play. It has an impressive IMDb rating of 7.6. I agree, and rated it 8.