The Tragedy of Macbeth

First, Denzel Washington is very good. But all that restraint needs to be let loose at some point, and it isn't. The black and white staging and lighting is more like a throwback to German Expressionism than anything actually new. Frankly the direction, staging, and cinematography detracted from the excellent acting, and the whole thing felt very heavy handed. I wanted it to be great, I really enjoy the play, I enjoy Coen's other movies, but it just did not quite work.

I really, really, really wanted to love this movie. I have taught the play before and have a good feel for the material, but even I found it to be inaccessible.

The Coens (even though this is just Joel) are my favorite directors, the cast is incredible and the vibe certainly resonates, but even then I found it to be hollow. I was waiting for that Oscar moment from DENZEL, but it looked like he was contained throughout the production.

I will certainly review the film - with subtitles - to see what that does, but I walked out feeling empty. I thought this would walk away with film of the year, but I don't think it'll even end up in the Top 5 or 10.

Maybe I am the idiot looking for the Sound and Fury that should accompany one of best tales of all time.

Greetings again from the darkness. The confounding part about screen adaptions of great and familiar literary works is that we have each already formed our mental images of characters and setting. Adapting Shakespeare's 400 year old play is Joel Coen (4 time Oscar winner, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN), and it's also his first time to fly solo as director without his brother Ethan. Filmed in black and white on a sound stage, this production may lack the frills we've come to expect in modern times, yet while its stark sets recall German Expressionism, the film still manage to deliver memorable visuals.

Denzel Washington (2 time Oscar winner, TRAINING DAY, GLORY) stars as Macbeth, while Mr. Coen's wife, Frances McDormand (4 time Oscar winner, NOMADLAND) is a perfect fit as the scheming Lady Macbeth. The absolute best and creepiest sequences are thanks to terrific work from stage actor Kathryn Hunter, who plays not one witch, but rather the trio (plus, in true Shakespearian fashion, a fourth character later). Ms. Hunter's work is a highlight as she contorts her body and rings out prophecy with an exceedingly disturbing voice. She is fantastic. It's the witches' prophecy that Macbeth will become King of Scotland that sets into action a chain of events familiar to most of us.

The reasons this didn't work as well for me as it did for others include Denzel's extremely low-key performance in the first half, and more crucially, the film lacks that unbridled lust for power that so attracts me to this particular story. It struck me more as a story of a disgruntled couple than the timeless themes of corruption and lust for power that Shakespeare so expertly crafted. Denzel's performance does come alive in the second half and he's quite something to watch. However, it's Ms. McDormand who nails the Lady Macbeth role and ensures our attention doesn't drift. Although obvious, it must be noted that these two renowned actors are a bit old for the roles, but interesting enough, this elements adds a different perspective to the characters' ambitions.

Supporting performances include Brendan Gleeson (is he ever not a standout?) as the ill-fated King Duncan, and Harry Melling as Malcolm and Matt Helm as Donalbain, Duncan's two sons. Corey Hawkins plays Macduff, Bertie Carvel is Banquo, and Stephen Root is the scene-stealing (and comic relief) Porter. Cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel treats us to some creative shots and angles ... and plenty of birds. But of course, it's Denzel and McDormand who will make or break this for you.

Director Coen does include the familiar lines: "Something wicked this way comes" inspired writer Ray Bradbury, Lady Macbeth's "out, damned spot" still packs a punch, while Macbeth's "a tale full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" remains my personal favorite. With the stark sets, Coen serves up a shadowy presentation - or is it a presentation of shadows? It's a blend of stage and screen, yet never fully both. Despite some of my displeasures and the long-lasting curse, overall it's a welcome version of "the Scottish play" ... although I still prefer reading The Bard's prose.

Opening in theaters on December 25, 2021 and streaming on AppleTV+ on January 14, 2022.

BFI London Film Festival The Tragedy Of Macbeth shows that Joel Coen can do it alone without his brother. This film is nothing short of spectacular, some of the greatest cinematography I've probably ever seen, the monochrome adds even more beauty to such a well shot film too, I could compare the cinematography to some of the greats of cinema like Bergman. Denzel Washington kills his role as Macbeth, showing how diverse his acting skills can go, he's almost a completely different person, I would have never imagined him doing old English speech, but we go it, and he doesn't mess it up at all, his emotions shot in the 4:3 aspect ratio is tremendous, once again leaving the cinema wanting every film to be shot in it.

The premises remains what can expect from a new version of Macbeth. Sure, for me, to see Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand or Brendan Gleeson in the roles who I know. To discover the vision of Joel Coen about the Shakespeare's play . To expect , in fact, nothing , because what can be said was , in wise, brilliant and precise manner said by previous adaptations ?

The result - impressed by cinematography , having new proof about the admirable artistic skills of Denzel Washington, the precise portrait of lady Macbeth created by Frances McDormant, beautiful Banquo of Bertie Carvel ( maybe, too much make up )

Brilliant - off course- for the flavors of old BBC adaptations, for the illusion of animation in few scenes, for black and white clash , for a Macbeth, Seyton, Angus and Macduff in dark skin and the thought to an Othello acted by an Albino actor.

Admirable for cinematographic solutions and for the certitude than Denzel Washington deserves his Macbeth with high measure. Because he gives just the great force to his role.

The music is inspired, the solutions - the case of witches - admirable animated by Kathryne Hunter is good example are the source of appreciation, in same measure.

Short, I admitt - it is a film who I love. For great use of cinematography, for solutions for details, for poetry of locations, for the wise reflection of each crumb of tension.