SCREEN PLAYS
James MacTaggart
Stage 2: The Duchess of Malfi (BBC, 1972)
Shooting on videotape on location at Chastleton House, James MacTaggart achieves a fluid and compelling production of John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi that is entirely credible – which is far from easy through the second-half bloodbath. Among its strengths are a vibrant performance by Eileen Atkins as the Duchess and some truly remarkable chiaroscuro camera work. Continue reading
Stage 2: The Duchess of Malfi (BBC, 1972)
Playing at London’s The Old Vic until 9 June is a splendid staging by director Jamie Lloyd of John Webster’s great Jacobean tragedy. Forty years ago director James MacTaggart made a distinguished version of the play for BBC Television that is available in thirteen parts on YouTube (although it is missing the end credits) – and it is this recording that is the subject of my post. Shooting on videotape on location at Chastleton House, MacTaggart achieves a fluid and compelling production that is entirely credible (far from easy through the second-half bloodbath). Among its strengths are a stately but vibrant performance by Eileen Atkins as the Duchess and some truly remarkable chiaroscuro camera work. Continue reading
SCREEN PLAYS 