Macbeth

The Lincoln Center Macbeth is a filmed stage production full of energy; it has a few minor problems of picture and sound quality resulting from this format, but the dialogue is clear, and the acting is good throughout.

The witches, one male and two female, sing most of their lines.

The Macbeths are an attractive, younger couple, full of ambition even before the witches' prophecies. Philip Anglim's Macbeth is slightly pompous and has shifty brown eyes, which sometimes appear unfocused, making him seem mentally unbalanced.

Kenneth Campbell's performance as Macduff is particularly strong.

At the end of the play, when Macduff fights Macbeth, Anglim, full of regret for the slaughter of Macduff's family, refuses to draw his sword to fight; Campbell, however, kills him anyway, afterward placing the cross he wears on Macbeth's chest.

"MACBETH for AMERICANS" is a good by-line for this production...and that is praise. Featuring an entirely USA casting (look for a lean and hungry--and bearded--Kelsey Granmer as Ross) and a elaborate yet simple stage plan, MACBETH becomes accessible to those easily intimidated by the "British style" that dominates Bard productions. Philip Anglim's finest hour.

I am sure that it is very challenging to mount a new production of Macbeth--even harder than doing a remake of a film--because there have been so very many precedents. My favorite part of this creative reinterpretation is the use of light and color. It adds a huge amount of interest and value. The acting is quite good as well, and I also liked how the setting was reimagined for the twentieth century. All in all a worthy production of the Bard´s bloodiest play.

As an aside, Philip Anglim´s Macbeth reminded me a lot of Heisenberg/Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston) in Breaking Bad. I wonder whether Cranston ever watched this production. The resemblance--both physical and psychological--is stunning.

Phillip Anglim is a dull Macbeth that barely shows emotion,Only with a strong lead can Macbeth succeed and Anglim is quite the wrong choice. Maureen Anderman fares better as Lady Macbeth but Anglim constantly hinders her portrayal. Her sleepwalking scene is quite well done as are the portrayals of John Vickery as Malcom and Kelsey Grammar as Ross. these few elements are not enough ,however to save this stagnant production.