The Tragedy of Macbeth movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Tragedy of Macbeth

This visually stunning portrayal of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is available on Apple TV+ and in limited theaters

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 45 minutes (a much shorter version than the original play)

IN A NUTSHELL:

This is an incredibly gorgeous movie to watch. It’s full-on Shakespeare, so it won’t be everyone’s taste, but if you can handle the intricate, old-English, you’ll be rewarded with some amazing performances and fantastic artistry. A number of years ago, I got to watch Shakespeare’s Othello in the famous Globe Theater in Stratford-upon-Avon, the bard’s birth town. Awesome.

By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes…

THINGS I LIKED:

We’re used to seeing films by both of the Coen brothers. This is the first time Joel has directed a film by himself. Even more impressive is that he shot it in only 36 days!
Fun fact #1: Did you know Joel Coen is married to the fantastic Frances McDormand who stars in the movie? I absolutely adore her. I was excited to see her deliver the famous “Out damned spot” lines. When I was in high school, my drama teacher had me perform that scene. I don’t swear, so I was extremely impressed when he didn’t laugh as I dramatically said, “Out darn spot!”
Speaking of Frances McDormand, both she and co-star Denzel Washington are Academy Award winners.
And speaking of Denzel, yes, OF COURSE, he’s excellent in this!
The movie was shot in black and white which makes for incredibly dramatic, picturesque images. Every frame is a masterpiece.
The language and acting are the focus of this film. There are very few props or set pieces to distract from those two elements.
The lighting is incredible.
Stage actress Kathryn Hunter gives a creepy, mesmerizing, and twisted performance as the “weird sister” at the start of the movie.
Fun fact #2: Everything but the last scene in the movie was filmed on a soundstage! Rumor has it that the purpose was to make the film look “untethered from reality.”
Fantastic sound effects. The frequent pounding starts to unnerve you as you also watch the king and Lady Macbeth go crazy.
Woah…that crown scene. I rewound the press screener I was watching to see it again because it was that good.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

English majors may be disappointed that so much of the original play has been cut. Fun fact #3: Macbeth is actually Shakespeare’s shortest plays! The play is based on real people and some real events.
Those unfamiliar with Shakespeare may have a difficult time immersing themselves in the script. If you don’t understand the words, just enjoy the perfect visuals.
We don’t learn that much about the minor characters. The streamlined script really focuses on the most important characters.