During my senior year in high school, I read "Macbeth" and was blown away.
Not long thereafter Baz Luhrmann released his updated version of "Romeo and
Juliet." After seeing it, I said to my friend, "Now someone has to do
'Hamlet.'" Four years later Michael Almereyda released his version of
"Hamlet," starring Ethan Hawke. I loved it and said to my date, "Now they
have to do 'Macbeth.'" Well, guess what? The updated version of "Macbeth"
has arrived, in the form of "Scotland, PA."
Director Billy Morrissette opts for an interesting, clever twist for his
interpretation. Instead of the kingdom of Scotland, the movie is set in
Scotland, Pennsylvania, in the 1970s. Norm Duncan, the aging proprietor, is
handing the reigns of his fast-food restaurant, Duncan's Burgers, to his
star employee "Mac" McBeth (played by James Le Gros). Before he does, he
tells McBeth and Pat McBeth, who is the equivalent to Lady Macbeth, (Maura
Tierney) about a concept that will revolutionize fast food: the drive-thru
window. Egged on by his wife, McBeth kills Duncan and takes control of the
restaurant, renaming it "McBeth's" (see what Morrissette is playing on
here?).
Those familiar with the story of "Macbeth" know what happens next.
Macbeth's guilt overwhelms him, and he slowly starts to unravel. This leads
him to kill his best friend (and fellow employee in the movie), Banquo. The
story climaxes with Macbeth's public ruin.
Other familiar faces in the cast include Andy Dick as one of the three
witches, and Christopher Walken as police Lt. Ernie McDuff. Through retro
music and fashion, Shakespeare's original theme of power and its corrupting
influence shine through more than ever.
Out of all the modern day Shakespeare interpretations, "Scotland, PA" is my
favorite. It has a clever and unique twist that the others lack, and is
chock full of solid performances. Now that we have "Romeo and Juliet,"
"Hamlet" and "Macbeth," all we need is "King Lear."
Responses:
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Name: b.faust
Comments:
this movie was pretty strange. i hope i never have to run through scotland, pa. i would lose it.
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