Adaptation... a role model

I just watched Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood, starring the legendary Mifune. It was simply breathtaking, with an overpowering visual sense and such stark, cool cinematography that it needs no dialogue, the images propel the narrative admirably.

Importantly, the film is a direct adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth. And a mighty fine one, too. Of course, Lady Macbeth is not portrayed as the domineering, unhinged original, but as restrained and coldly calculating, erupting in a moment's decision, her placidity only heightening the sense of disquiet created by every vile insinuation. Also, the indoor scenes are purposely underplayed, with a static camera and long-shots, but this again adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere that eventually stifles Macbeth, sorry, Washizu.

An interesting observation about the film is how 'what goes around, comes around'. Indeed, in his superior's murder, Washizu is merely emulating him, and such an act of betrayal is apparently not uncommon in medieval Japan. Contrary to Shakespeare, where the serpent of Lady Macbeth taunts him over his indecision and his virility, to carry out the awful deed.

The eerie witch scenes in the forest are shot in high-contrast, giving them a surreal, otherwordly feel, which only blurs the line between reality and the subconscious: was a prophecy ever made, or did Macbeth take fate into his hands to chart his destiny as he saw fit?

I must mention the plot device of the 'moving forest', which is rather effective here, perhaps more so than the 'none of woman born can harm him' angle in the play. Check out the film, it is one of Kurosawa's best. And a model of intelligent adaptation, as well.