The Tragedy of Macbeth

Joel Coen’s adaptation of this Shakespeare classic was a stunning study of monochrome cinematography and brutal architecture production design. Led by a stellar Denzel Washington, this was a rather faithful literal translation of the play to the screen. As usual, the Elizabethan English may be challenging to some, but after a few beats you will get into the rhythm, and Shakespeare’s powerful use of the English language still never ceased to amaze. The metaphors, allusions, foreshadowing, alliterations and flow of words were masterful, and the cast did it proud.

Washington was magnetic. His Macbeth embodied a man, perhaps just passed his prime, that had so many layers and contradictions. His fears, ambitions, tyranny, delusions, love for his wife were all on display, and Washington flipped through all the emotions effortlessly as we witnessed the rise and fall of Macbeth. Is he a Tragic character? Or just a victim of his own Hubris?

Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth was a slightly more mixed bag. Her early portrayal of an equally ambitious Queen-in-waiting was more convincing, but her devolution to fear and doubt seemed less natural (especially if one is not familiar with the original text). But, boy, can McDormand serve a look!

The biggest standout was Kathryn Hunter as the weird sisters. She was phenomenal. Although only appearing briefly, her witchy portrayal was utterly terrifying and memorable. Every enunciation of Shakespeare’s famous lines echoed with purpose. And those bodily movements. Brilliant.

Outstanding cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel (pay attention Wes Anderson!). The use of lights and shadows were outstanding. Paired with the gorgeous production design by Stefan Dechant - sharp, angular, brutal and Tadao Ando-esque - the whole Macbeth castle seemed like a whole character unto itself.

“Macbeth” was a challenging film. Enriching and gorgeous, but definitely appealing to a niche audience. Washington may get a Best Actor nomination and the film a Best Picture nod, and hopefully at least two more for Delbonnel and Dechant.