Macbeth (1997)

A ruthlessly ambitious Scottish laird seizes the throne with the help of his scheming wife and a trio of witches.

Director:

Jeremy Freeston

Writers:

Bob Carruthers, Jeremy Freeston

Stars:

Jason Connery, Helen Baxendale, Graham McTavish

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jason Connery	...	Macbeth
Helen Baxendale	...	Lady Macbeth
Graham McTavish	...	Banquo
Kenneth Bryans	...	Macduff (as Kenny Bryans)
Kern Falconer	...	Seyton
Hildegard Neil	...	1st Witch
Chris Gormlie	...	MacDonwald
Jean Trend	...	2nd Witch
Phillipa Peak	...	3rd Witch
Iain Stuart Robertson	...	Ross
John Corvin	...	Duncan
Ross Dunsmore	...	Malcolm
Paul MacDonald	...	Donalbain
Phil Wallace	...	Lennox
Dominic Borrelli	...	Angus

Storyline

In eleventh century Scotland, three witches foretell that Macbeth will become King, while Banquo will beget Kings. Macbeth accordingly has King Duncan slain, and is duly crowned in his place. But that's where his problems really begin...

---

Plot Keywords:

character name as title | one word title | macbeth character | lady macbeth character | king | 

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 May 1997 (UK)

Also Known As:

Макбет

Filming Locations:

Blackness Castle, Blackness, Falkirk, West Lothian, Scotland, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cromwell Productions Ltd., Grampian Television, Lamancha Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

129 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Features 505 accredited "Associate Producers" all of whom made donations to finance the production.

---

Goofs

When Duncan is to be woken and the murder discovered, Macbeth waits outside. First, he has his sword in its scabbard in his left hand and his right hand upon the hilt, then in the next shot he has the sword in its scabbard pressed against his body and his right hand upon his shoulder saying "Twas a rough night." In the next shot, he holds the sword as in the shot before with his hands on the hilt and the scabbard.

---

Connections

Version of Macbeth (1911)

User Reviews

Is this a Robin i see before me?

From the opening title shot of a candlelit Sutton Hoo war helmet (many might wonder what a relic of the East Anglian Vendel culture is doing in the Scottish Highlands, but of course those searching in the dust for thorough historical accuracy in Shakespeare are always on a hiding to nothing - and doubtless the striking clocks in "Julius Caesar" hath made those people mad), and the stirring strains of the pipes, we are plunged into a "Macbeth" taking place in a Celtic twilight of hairy "Braveheart"-esque warriors and gloomy castles, well fitted to one of the most grim and gritty of the Bard's plays.

Old Shaky's story lines are well-known, so we may safely skip over the plot precis. Jason Connery takes time out from being known as the second (and second-best - nothing to be ashamed of as Michael Praed was so good in the role) Robin of Sherwood to give us a Macbeth believable as a seasoned warrior of Moray and trusty, if untrustworthy, vassal of an early mediaeval king. Helen Baxendale is as luminous and radiant as always, acquitting herself well with the accent, as my favourite Lady Macbeth (i have admittedly still to see Francesca Annis in the noted Roman Polanski version), swinging from highly-strung hysteria to sexy coquettishness as she lures her easily-swayed husband to do the deadly deed.

The other standout member of the cast is Graham McTavish (Warden 'Nicey' Ackerman to fans of sci-fi sitcom "Red Dwarf") as the indomitable Banquo. Good direction and striking scenery in authentic Highland locations make this a Macbeth that will not have viewers crying "Out, vile jelly!", as they may need their eyes in order to give it a deserved second viewing.