Polanski’s version of “Macbeth””was released just two years after the murder of his wife Sharon Tate, and the film’s bloody, nihilistic quality may well reflect the impact of that real-life tragedy. Shot on location in stunning, desolate Wales, the director’s perfectionism took the film well over-budget. Though initially it performed badly at the box office, this highly accessible rendering of the Bard’s darkest work has since earned classic status due to its expert pacing, striking cinematography, and superb acting (with Finch a stand-out in the title role). Time to brush up on your Shakespeare? Here’s your movie.