The two different contexts have moulded the directors' interpretations of the text of Macbeth. Roman Polanski's version appeared in 1971: a time of hippies, free love and retaliation to the world's war. It was influenced by Polanski's own recent encounter with violence as his wife, Sharon Tate, was brutally killed by a crazed cult. McKellar's production was screened in the 1980s when intimacy was far more public. Both works are dramatic representations of the text. However, each director has privileged techniques which differentiate their films.

Polanski's hardcore adaptation of the text was heavily edited yet it succeeded in representing the reality of the time. Polanski shot the film during the winter season to capture the contrast of clammy poison-grey skies as set against tranquil picture-book settings. A realistic costume epic was created. The scenery, natural lighting, medieval music, props and costume contribute to the film's authenticity of the play...