Suscipe Domine Traditional Catholic Forum

The Parish Hall => Arts and Leisure => Topic started by: Alphonsus Jr. on April 23, 2013, 06:17:33 PM

Title: Macbeth: In League with Satan
Post by: Alphonsus Jr. on April 23, 2013, 06:17:33 PM
Before becoming Catholic I of course thought that Macbeth was dark. It was only after I became Catholic that I realized the fully Satanic dimensions of this play. I noticed this again last night. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth consciously give themselves over the infernal fiend. That's what this play is ultimately about. It's not just about the lust for power or disobedience to conscience. The fundamental action of this play takes place on the supernatural plane, not the mere natural.

I recommend the following production, faithful to the text and featuring a devastating performance by Nicol Williamson as Macbeth:

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbywWyryftM[/yt]
Title: Re: Macbeth: In League with Satan
Post by: MilesChristi on April 23, 2013, 06:22:17 PM
well, his servant's name is seyton.
Also, it is also a great study on neurosis and psychosis as effects of guilt, according to Bishop Sheen.
Marvelous play all around.
Title: Re: Macbeth: In League with Satan
Post by: Alphonsus Jr. on April 23, 2013, 06:25:58 PM
Quote from: MilesChristi on April 23, 2013, 06:22:17 PM
well, his servant's name is seyton.
Also, it is also a great study on neurosis and psychosis as effects of guilt, according to Bishop Sheen.
Marvelous play all around.

Good point about the servant-assassin's name.

Yes, I had precisely Bp. Sheen in mind when I wrote above about disobedience to conscience. It's clear that this is part of the story, but definitely not the whole story. Yet from what I've heard, Sheen talked about this play only on the natural level while glossing over the supernatural roots and ramifications of this disobedience.
Title: Re: Macbeth: In League with Satan
Post by: Bonaventure on April 23, 2013, 06:29:48 PM
I recommend the PBS production with Patrick Stewart.
Title: Re: Macbeth: In League with Satan
Post by: Anastasia on April 23, 2013, 06:31:33 PM
How are the witches done in this production? That's usually how I judge the different versions: if they have them dance and caper around the stage, trying to look sinister, they just seem silly more than anything else. And Macbeth looks like an idiot for taking them seriously. In fairness, acting truly creepy and demonic would be hard to convey.
Title: Re: Macbeth: In League with Satan
Post by: Alphonsus Jr. on April 23, 2013, 06:47:42 PM
Quote from: Bonaventure on April 23, 2013, 06:29:48 PM
I recommend the PBS production with Patrick Stewart.

Surely you're joking. It's postmodernist drivel.
Title: Re: Macbeth: In League with Satan
Post by: Alphonsus Jr. on April 23, 2013, 06:49:40 PM
Quote from: Anastasia on April 23, 2013, 06:31:33 PM
How are the witches done in this production? That's usually how I judge the different versions: if they have them dance and caper around the stage, trying to look sinister, they just seem silly more than anything else. And Macbeth looks like an idiot for taking them seriously. In fairness, acting truly creepy and demonic would be hard to convey.

Unlike in the ridiculous Patrick Stewart version, for example, there's no such nonsense. Watch the video I provided. You'll see in the very first scene.
Title: Re: Macbeth: In League with Satan
Post by: MilesChristi on April 23, 2013, 07:10:35 PM
Quote from: Alphonsus Jr. on April 23, 2013, 06:25:58 PM
Quote from: MilesChristi on April 23, 2013, 06:22:17 PM
well, his servant's name is seyton.
Also, it is also a great study on neurosis and psychosis as effects of guilt, according to Bishop Sheen.
Marvelous play all around.

Good point about the servant-assassin's name.

Yes, I had precisely Bp. Sheen in mind when I wrote above about disobedience to conscience. It's clear that this is part of the story, but definitely not the whole story. Yet from what I've heard, Sheen talked about this play only on the natural level while glossing over the supernatural roots and ramifications of this disobedience.

Act II (i think) Lady Macbeth almost literally sells her soul to the devil (spirits unsex me here, fill me with the dark dun of hell, dry up my blood, stop the path to remorse).
Title: Re: Macbeth: In League with Satan
Post by: Alphonsus Jr. on April 23, 2013, 07:33:51 PM
Quote from: MilesChristi on April 23, 2013, 07:10:35 PM
Quote from: Alphonsus Jr. on April 23, 2013, 06:25:58 PM
Quote from: MilesChristi on April 23, 2013, 06:22:17 PM
well, his servant's name is seyton.
Also, it is also a great study on neurosis and psychosis as effects of guilt, according to Bishop Sheen.
Marvelous play all around.

Good point about the servant-assassin's name.

Yes, I had precisely Bp. Sheen in mind when I wrote above about disobedience to conscience. It's clear that this is part of the story, but definitely not the whole story. Yet from what I've heard, Sheen talked about this play only on the natural level while glossing over the supernatural roots and ramifications of this disobedience.

Act II (i think) Lady Macbeth almost literally sells her soul to the devil (spirits unsex me here, fill me with the dark dun of hell, dry up my blood, stop the path to remorse).

I believe it's Act I, but yes, she explicitly invites possession. Later Macbeth also explicitly mentions his infernal connections.
Title: Re: Macbeth: In League with Satan
Post by: Heinrich on April 25, 2013, 05:01:36 PM
No crap. The witches didn't tip you off dude?