The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) Movie Review
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and well-known works. One might grumble and wonder if we really need another adaptation of Macbeth. When an adaptation is as good as Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, the answer is inevitably yes, yes we do. This one has a killer cast with Denzel Washington taking on the role of Macbeth and Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth. It is shot in black and white which could be a cliche if not for the brilliant cinematography from Bruno Delbonnel and even better production design by Stefan Dechant. Together, they grace your eyes with some of the most gorgeous shots of the year. Each scene is constructed strategically and the play with light and shadows works wonders with the use of black and white. They create a visually stunning feast for the eyes.
Washington gives a very effective performance confidently building Macbeth’s anger throughout the movie and perfectly capturing his obsession with gaining and keeping his power. Frances McDormand gives strong scenes as Lady Macbeth, helping steer her husband towards his goals and calming him when he starts descending into chaos. She delivers her lines with fervor and passion and it makes for a compelling performance that is not overshadowed by Macbeth’s story. But one person in particular steals the show in The Tragedy of Macbeth and that person is Kathryn Hunter who plays the witches. In her first scene she delivers her monologue musing about Macbeth while contorting her limbs in ways that seem otherworldly. The deep register of her voice gives just the right amount of haunting eeriness to her lines. She pops up periodically throughout the film and each time she steals the show. Her performance of the more famous ‘double double toil and trouble’ lines somehow feels fresh despite it being uttered by others hundreds of times. She commands your attention and adds a powerful punch to the film.
This is a story you’re undoubtedly familiar with but Coen manages to find ways to keep it interesting. The cinematography and production design are phenomenal but credit must be given to Coen as he hones in on the most important and affective scenes from the play and makes them feel cinematic. At one point, Macbeth flings open the window only to be met with an avalanche of leaves that pour in, signaling the coming of Birnam Wood and the witches prophecy coming true. It’s touches like these that keep things visual and moving. Joel Coen’s adaptation of The Tragedy of Macbeth takes a well-known story and gives it a fresh spin with enhanced visuals and excellent performances. A truly worthy adaptation of a classic tale.
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You like Shakespeare
2. You appreciate beautiful cinematography
3. You like stories about power
