By Seth Lukas Hynes
The Tragedy of Macbeth
Starring Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand and Kathryn Hunter
Rated M
The Tragedy of Macbeth is a film of staggering craftsmanship and may be one of the greatest film adaptations of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy.
Directed by Joel Coen, The Tragedy of Macbeth is steeped in fine old-fashioned craft – emphasis on actors and dialogue, long steady takes, black-and-white cinematography and a quiet soundscape throwing strong emotions into sharp relief – and tinged with the Coen Brothers’ unique subtle surrealism.
The vast sets dwarf the actors, suspended in voids of mist or darkness. These ominous backdrops heighten Macbeth (Denzel Washington) and Lady Macbeth’s (Frances McDormand) unnatural deeds.
The entire cast delivers Shakespeare’s ornate (to our modern ears) language with pathos and passion without it feeling staged. Washington conveys phenomenal charisma even as Macbeth’s paranoia and arrogance deepen. McDormand is captivating as Lady Macbeth, driven by a toxic ambition and confidence, and her repressed grief at King Duncan’s murder is harrowing to behold.
Both actors completely embody their characters but also have so much of their poise and small mannerisms come through; it’s great to see such talented actors powerfully make these classic characters their own.
Coen’s Macbeth features some clever reinterpretations of the source material. Thespian and contortionist Kathryn Hunter plays the Witch(es), with her uncanny movements and unruly voice suggesting the traditional three witches within one body. Ross (Alex Hassell) is a mere medium of exposition in most adaptations, but now has a gratifying arc from a cold servant of Macbeth to a remorseful agent of justice. The climax has a second fight before Macbeth’s duel with Macduff (Corey Hawkins), thereby raising the stakes.
As a very late 2021 release, The Tragedy of Macbeth rivals Nitram as my film of the year.
The Tragedy of Macbeth is playing in select Victorian cinemas and streaming on Apple TV Plus.
– Seth Lukas Hynes
