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The Tragedy of MacBeth is a technical marvel. The film is truly high art because the cinematography is impeccable, the production design is captivating, and the audio design is chilling. Together, this creates a mesmerizing journey of light and sound. The tight aspect ratio, stark lighting, and precise framing combine with surreal set compositions to produce a dazzling stream of masterful imagery. Meanwhile, the sound is consistently symbolic and pulsing, evoking motifs of paranoia. All told, the technical aspects of The Tragedy of MacBeth are genuine craftsmanship and serve the spirit of the film in every way.
What's more, The Tragedy of MacBeth is built around classic drama. Staying true to Shakespeare (aside from some savvy streamlining) is always a safe bet. The story captures haunting descents into madness, and the dialogue is hypnotically rhythmic. Denzel Washington is brooding with bursts of rage, and McDormand steals the show as she mentally unravels. Plus, the score is menacing, the transitions are smooth, and the effects are stylistic. From top to bottom, this is a detailed work of art. The Tragedy of MacBeth might not be popcorn entertainment for wide audiences, but it's a perfect storm of skill.
Writing: 10/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Acting: 9/10
Editing: 9/10
Sound: 10/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 10/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 9/10
Overall Score: 9.5/10
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4/5
A retelling of the classic Shakespearean tragedy about a soldier who, when told of his future by three witches, doggedly pursues the promised outcome with murderous ferocity.
The Tragedy of Macbeth is a mostly faithful adaptation of the famous play. The dialogue is delivered in signature Shakespearean English and for those willing to appreciate the Bard’s outdated prose, this film is a rewarding watch, featuring some stellar (and some not so stellar) performances and beautiful visuals.
The play, originally performed in 1606, features a central conflict that resonates centuries later. And the themes that haunt the characters throughout the story—fate, control, and the end justifying the means—still challenge all humans every day. The lead characters make a series of decisions in their quest for glory which brutally illustrate the menace of elevating ambition above ethics.
Despite my typically unfailing love for Denzel Washington, I struggled with his portrayal of the titular role. He is a complete mismatch, delivering weighty lines with his signature lilt—the only actor that makes no attempt at an accent. Frances McDormand suffers from the same problem (although to a lesser extent), bringing her own fame and performative baggage to the role which occasionally distracts. Corey Hawkins, Alex Hassell, Bertie Carvel, and Harry Melling round out the rest of the cast and they each perform the material very well.
Most notable in this adaptation are the stunning visuals which are stark, minimalist, and fiercely symmetrical. Joel Coen directs each scene with his signature mastery and the film is absolutely gorgeous to watch, from the panoramic vistas and beautiful forests to the disorienting Castle Inverness—with rooms that seem to stretch and shift within each scene. Overall, this is another solid Shakespearean adaptation that could have benefited from a bit more acting and a bit less celebrity.
Hot take: Fair is foul and foul is fair, if you love Shakespeare, you should not despair. But if the Bard is not quite to your taste, watching this movie would be a huge waste.
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