The Tragedy of Macbeth

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.

In the trailers, the most we get of the weird sisters is a glimpse of some shadowed silhouettes, and Kathryn Hunter sitting on a high beam chanting the famous "pricking of my thumbs" line. But from the FIRST scene of the film, you recognize the power she wields as an actor. Not only does she play all 3 sisters, and switch between them with Gollum-like fluidity, but her physicality contorts with such deliberate eeriness that for the first time in a long time, I was reminded of how terrifying the character(s) can be. Also, her vocal and rhythmic control of the witches' incantations- perhaps some of the wackiest lines Shakespeare ever penned- is masterful, elevating them to an effect that might haunt the Bard himself. A rare and memorable performance that left me with a new appreciation for the odd, yet profound presence of the supernatural in this play.

Denzel and Frances are masters in their own right. While their performances as the Macbeths may not be as striking as Hunter's, they nonetheless make for a very good pair to carry this film's weight, and each bring a grounded freshness to their lines. One thing I really appreciate was that they didn't "rise themselves up" to the weight of these characters, but rather brought the characters down to them. Instead of expanding their presence to fill the shoes of giants, they let the words filter through them with the coolness of their own natural presence. I could see and hear Denzel and Frances adopt the text in their own cadence/mannerisms, and (to quote another Shakespeare play) "acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness."

Finally, Joel's vision really makes this adaptation stand out. Its aesthetic is a clever blend of film and theatre, employing the intimacy of one with the uncanny semblance of the other. Not only does this effect serve the presence of ghosts and witches well, but it gives the whole piece an almost dream-like quality that draws you in like the air-drawn dagger. But beyond that, Joel's understanding of the text and concept as a whole is so sharp that his own changes to certain scenes/characters offer a savvy new take on a 400 year old tale.

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.

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.

Macbeth is a gorgeous take on the Shakespeare classic. With a phenomenal performance by Denzel Washington as Macbeth, with some incredible emotionally loaded scenes. The soundtrack and sound effect during the film was nothing short of astounding catching your attention.

With beautiful use of lighting and a lack of props, to put complete focus on the characters. While also using the lightning during the film to set different moods and feelings. With an incredibly slow start, this movie might seem boring at first but end up finishing intensely.

The negative reviews surrounding The Tragedy of Macbeth are disappointing. To be fair, without subtitles I wouldn't understand much either. But saying this cast is "woke" is downright disrespectful to the amazing performance by Washington.

The Tragedy of Macbeth is a beautiful piece of film. It's definitely a film worth seeing but a lot of people will be disappointed in the slow start and use of old English.