A One Mann’s Movies review of “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (2021).
I’m still filling the gaps in my Oscar nominations list and next up is this new take on one of the bard’s bloodiest works: “The Tragedy of Macbeth”.
This is currently available to stream on Apple+.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
Macbeth (Denzel Washington) and his army friend Banquo (Bertie Carvel) receive a prophecy from a strange supernatural being/beings (Kathryn Hunter). The witch advises that Macbeth is to be the next king (following Duncan (Brendan Gleeson)) but the heirs of Banquo will also be future kings. Macbeth, together with his even more ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand), set in train events to make the first part of the prophecy come true. But once king, paranoia about the second part of the prophecy comes to the fore.
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Brendan Gleeson, Kathryn Hunter, Bertie Carvel, Corey Hawkins, Harry Melling.
Directed by: Joel Coen.
Written by: Joel Coen (Based on the play by William Shakespeare).
Twitter Handle: #thetragedyofmacbeth.
“The Tragedy of Macbeth” Review:
Positives:
- The movie looks glorious. The black and white cinematography (by Bruno Delbonnel) is brilliantly atmospheric and the sets are beautifully simple: angular and spectacularly lit.
- Denzel Washington is deservedly nominated for a Best Actor Oscar here. It’s a powerful and engaging performance.
- It’s surprising that Kathryn Hunter wasn’t nominated for a Supporting Actress award as the witch(es). Her double-jointed dance prior to the first prophecy is truly creepy.
Negatives:
- I’m not a Shakespeare scholar, and – surprisingly – I’ve managed 61 years of life without having seen Macbeth. This movie is in the original dialogue of the play, so I found it a bit hard to follow.
- The black and white is great, adding enormously to the mood of the piece. But, to me, the 4:3 aspect ratio seemed overly gimmicky. Just show me the whole widescreen experience please!
Summary Thoughts on “The Tragedy of Macbeth”
As a movie that seems to have been well and truly snubbed at both the BAFTAs and the Oscars, Joel Coen’s film was a whole lot more entertaining than I expected it to be. I probably need to sample another few movie versions of Macbeth to determine how good it is in relation to those.
Trailer for “The Tragedy of Macbeth”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM3hsVrBMA4 .
