Polanski’s version opens with the bear-baiting scene. This then sets the tone of the scene as the lords cheer on. The blood of the bear is symbolic of Macbeth’s murder of Duncan.
In Polanski’s version the set is sparsely decorated and the table is the main piece of furniture on screen. The table is in a central spot; it therefore plays a central role with regard to the scene.
I think the director has chosen to set the play in medieval times, as the costumes would suggest. Macbeth wears similar clothes to the actors but has a lighter tunic. Lady Macbeth wears a cream/white robe that enhances her character. All the other costumes are dull black/grey/brown colours. Macbeth is the dominant figure in this film. When he enters into the banqueting scene his back is to the camera.
In Polanski’s version the set is dimly lit with candlelight. A red light leaks upon the bed; this reflects the homicidal thoughts of Macbeth. The lighting particularly suits this scene as Banquo turns on Macbeth. The sound in the background is quite poignant in the scene where Banquo makes himself known to Macbeth. The extra actors in this scene don’t move that much. This is maybe to enhance Macbeth’s actions. There actions show a discrepancy with regard to the theatrical performance depending on camera positions.
Noticeably Polanski’s relation of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ act 3 scene 4 is awe-inspiring and distinctive. Polanski’s act 3 scene 4 is evidentially varied from Shakespeare’s version of ‘Macbeth’. This variation leaves the audience tense and curious.
The BBC version that was produced by Shaun Sutton does not open with the bear-baiting scene that Polanski opened with.
The set is even more sparsely decorated than it was in Polanski’s version. The costumes are not different to Polanski’s version. In the BBC version Macbeth and Lady Macbeth wear similar clothes to the other actors. There isn’t much lighting in this version.
The sound in the BBC version is not used to the same degree that it is used in Polanski’s adaptation. The only sound evident is when Macbeth leaves the banquet. When Macbeth thinks to himself in the BBC version he walks in the direction of the camera and says what is on his mind whereas in Polanski’s version he does not speak his thoughts, as there is voice-overs. There are not very many extras in this version. The more extras in Polanski’s version add to the tension in the atmosphere.
As the BBC had a lower budget than Roman Polanski they have less music, actors, props and camera angles. However there is a sense of foreboding in the darkly lit rooms and their clothes. Their clothes are less extravagant that the ones used in Polanski’s version. When the ghost appears in the BBC version it is less dramatic due to the lack of special effects. In the BBC version drums are used to signal the presence of the ghost with a close up of the empty chair. In Polanski’s version special effects are used to bring the ghost alive.
In conclusion Polanski created an unalterable and thoroughly heart-warming production of Shakespeare’s act 3, scene 4 of ‘Macbeth’. Whereas the lack of money that was spent on the BBC version was its downfall. The setting, music and lighting are very tedious.
