Just watched this version of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. I know I entitled this Orson Welles Macbeth but that was just to distinguish from other versions. A couple of which I have seen and found in each version something to savour. My mind goes to Roman Polanski's version with Jon Finch in the lead. That is a very impressive version, as you would expect. I know Joel Coen has done a version with Denzil Washington in the lead. I have seen a couple of goose bump inducing clips from this; The Tragedy Of Macbeth. Shall endeavour to see it.
I once saw a version in The Opera House Belfast. With Pete Posthelwaite as the Scottish King. He was astonishing, as you might have expected, as were the rest of the cast. A performer like that in the central lead ups everyones game, in the best possible way. They were wearing Samurai and Shogun inspired outfits which were very visually striking. I think I would have preferred a more Celtic influenced theme as the clans were more than capable of impressing. Theres an earthy quality that suits the unearthy themes. Chinese magic transmits an altogether diiferent aesthetic. Still, thats not a grumble. With a cast like that I would have accepted them in boiler suits. A couple of nights later I saw mr Posthelwaite enjoying a Guiness at the bar in The Crown. I thought about approaching him but I thought he probably gets that all the time and might enjoy just chilling before an evening performance.
