Macbeth is a 1971 historical drama film directed by Roman Polanski, and co-written by Polanski and Kenneth Tynan. A film adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name, it tells the story of the Highland lord who becomes King of Scotland through treachery and murder. Jon Finch and Francesca Annis star as the title character and his wife, noted for their relative youth as actors. Themes of historic recurrence, greater pessimism and internal ugliness in physically beautiful characters are added to Shakespeare's story of moral decline, which is presented in a more realistic style.
American theatrical release poster
Bear-baiting is a Medieval form of entertainment portrayed in the film.
Annis's portrayal of Lady Macbeth has been likened to Lady Godiva (Lady Godiva painting 1897 by John Collier)
Hugh Hefner and Playboy Enterprises provided funding for the film.
Raymond Roman Thierry Polański is a French and Polish film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two British Academy Film Awards, ten César Awards, two Golden Globe Awards,
as well as the Golden Bear and a Palme d'Or.
Polanski in Paris, 2011
Polanski's star on the Łódź walk of fame
Roman Polanski with Sharon Tate in "The Fearless Vampire Killers", 1967
Polanski in Italy in 1984