오슨 웰즈의 「맥베스」에 대한 재평가

Abstract

Orson Welles’ Macbeth has been undeservedly undervalued since it was released in 1948. In general, there are three kinds of criticisms against this film such as the following: it is a simple morality tale in which good wins over evil; it consists of two-dimensional flat characters who, being either good or bad, lack psychological depth; and it is a quickly made low-grade movie with cheap sets and costumes. This paper argues that Welles’ Macbeth interprets Shakespeare’s play as showing the triumph of evil over good along with the vicious circle of power struggle on earth. This movie also regards Macbeth as the prototype of such 20th-century dictators like Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin and warns against the unending reappearance of such evildoers on earth. This movie also presents the fatalistic view that every human-being is at the mercy of the supernatural powers of evil. Welles’ movie also creates morally ambivalent three-dimensional characters who are both good and evil in nature. These complex characters display extreme psychological anguishes as well. This movie does not show elaborate periodical details or spectacular scenes due to budget constraint. However, it delivers its messages successfully as well as portrays its characters impressively by using various expressionistic or symbolic devices in sets, costumes, properties, photography, lighting, and sound. This movie also heightens its dramatic effects by adopting theatrical devices to the maximum effect. When producing Shakespearean films, a huge budget does not always guarantee a great movie in both content and form. In his Macbeth, Welles proves that even with a minimum budget one can make an excellent film showing significant messages, dynamic characters, and outstanding artistic skills.