It’s creepy and unsettling while proving that Joel Coen is aware that it’s not so much the language that should be tinkered with (he also adapted this version for the screen by himself) but the imagery. Of course, such future predictions are told by three witches, visually realized here as decrepit humanoid crows with flappy birdlike arms. He plays all the familiar beats, primarily honoring the source material with the dialogue beyond that, there’s more Denzel Washington in the performance than there is Macbeth, but such a balanced combination that it renders this embodying of the character hip and traditional.Īlso compelling is Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth, excelling at egging her man on while calling his cynicism regarding the foretold prophecy of becoming king. Equally compelling are Denzel Washington’s bursts of rage and impressive brute force physicality. In the titular role, Denzel Washington is utterly mesmerizing, weaving his trademark mannerisms and vocal tics into classic Shakespeare monologues, resulting in something fresh and new. With that in mind, the real reason to see The Tragedy of Macbeth goes beyond Joel Coen’s take on staples of the story (whether it be a disturbing which hauntingly played by Kathryn Hunter, newly ascended king and queen descending into madness, the thrilling final battle, and more). Fortunately, The Tragedy of Macbeth feels both unlike anything in the Coen filmography (although this is not the first black-and-white film from him, it also has the added distinction of the Academy ratio and shot on a soundstage) while still possessing themes that have been affecting their protagonists for decades. And if you didn’t see it, chances are you have seen one of several legendary filmmakers take on the story.
Not only is it a story nearly everyone knows from high school curriculum or cultural osmosis, but not even five years ago saw a version from Justin Kurzel boasting some impressive leading turns and dazzling color. Starring Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Alex Hassell, Bertie Carvel, Brendan Gleeson, Corey Hawkins, Harry Melling, Miles Anderson, Matt Helm, Moses Ingram, Kathryn Hunter, Lucas Barker, Stephen Root, Robert Gilbert, Ethan Hutchison, James Udom, Richard Short, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Ralph Ineson.Ī Scottish lord becomes convinced by a trio of witches that he will become the next King of Scotland, and his ambitious wife supports him in his plans of seizing power.Įven with such a revered filmmaker at the helm in Joel Coen (his first directorial effort without collaborating with his brother Ethan), I admittedly had some reservations about how impactful yet another interpretation of William Shakespeare’s iconic cursed Scottish play Macbeth would feel.
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