The Tragedy of Macbeth

Now on Apple TV+.

Joel Coen adapts and directs this latest  cinematic outing for Shakespeare’s story of ambition, betrayal, madness and suicide. Denzel Washington is the titular Macbeth who after a meeting with three witches, all played with a brilliant physical and unsettling performance by Kathryn Hunter, finds himself on a path of ambition, greed and treachery. A treachery driven by his wife Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand) who has no time for her husband’s conscience. When King Duncan (Brendan Gleason) comes to visit their home, she demands Macbeth takes action. But it is action that leads to the Macbeth’s being eaten by remorse and regret as their enemies circle to regain Scotland’s crown.

There is a warning that we shall get out of the way that this is an adaptation that is heavy on Shakespearean text and imagery. So if that’s not your thing you may it hard going. For everyone else, settle in to Coens fantastic film.

Firstly it looks incredible Coen and his cinematographer Bruno Belbonnel creating a wonderfully immersive world. Shot in black and white and 4:3 ratio it feels very reminiscent of Bergman and Wells. And it is used to great effect ramping up the feeling of the world closing in on the murderous acts of the Macbeth’s.

The story is equally tight, Coen stripping back the text to give us a fast moving story the flows effortlessly through its plot points.

In Washington and McDormand you get fabulous performances, McDormand particularly. They are well supported, Gleeson cast perfectly as Duncan, as is Alex Hassel as Ross, constantly in the background scheming and manipulating. And Corey Hawkins as Macduff helps deliver a wonderfully visceral battle with Macbeth in the films final act.

If there is a reservation it is that it may be too hard work for some, which is a pity.

For me though this is a fabulous adaptation, it looks incredible and with its pacy script it creates a world perfect for telling a story of treachery and regret. Add to this mix some wonderful performances and you get a compelling experience and watch.