The Tragedy of MacBeth is a film by Joel Coen starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand.
An adaptation of Shakespeare in the most Greek of his creations.
Plot
The story of a king of Scotland who, between battles, witches, and a scheming woman, will try to survive fate.
Movie Review
A most cinematographic film, and in such a classic line, so much in the vein of Ingmar Bergman (since its beginning that reminds us very, very much of The Seventh Seal) and Orson Welles that it is frightening. Joel Coen directs this eccentric and sober film, this adaptation faithful in the text and very original in the approach.
And yes, this is cinema (it doesn’t always happen with Shakespeare).
The eldest of the Coens manages to make a theatrical as well as cinematic film, which plays at all times with this scenographic paradox, aiming at doing both at the same time, and succeeds: a work as profoundly theatrical as cinematic with actors (this is superfluous) that is up to the text. Of course, the stage belongs to Frances McDormand, who plays an always brilliant Lady MacBeth (the great role for any actress, Shakespearean or not).
A film full of and created from the deepest darkness.
A cinema as classic in its formulation as it is advanced, and perhaps nothing new can be added to the text, but Joel Coen’s film proposal is seen as one of the best adaptations of Shakespeare’s classic.
And yes, it is better than Orson Welles’ and may the gods forgive me (among other things, the actress is always the same).
Our Opinion
It is worth it for its fidelity to the text, its solemnity and its aesthetic sobriety, which is in itself a risk.
We risk saying that yes, it is the best adaptation ever made of MacBeth.
Other Reviews
- “A raw, lucid retelling, rendered spellbinding by its enveloping stylized design and its masterful black-and-white visuals, evoking the chiaroscuro textures of Carl Theodor Dreyer.” David Rooney: The Hollywood Reporter
- “There is no comfort in Coen’s vision, but his rigor — and Washington’s vigor — are never less than exhilarating.” A. O. Scott: The New York Times
- “‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ is an immaculate vision: coldly efficient, aesthetically faultless, splendidly acted. I do wish it had a bit more blood in it.” Justin Chang: Los Angeles Times
Release Date
january 12, 2022.
Where to Watch
On Apple T+.
