REVIEW – The Tragedy of Macbeth
I think there was a collective groan from every student when it was announced that there was going to be another retelling of Shakespeare’s classic play. With so many adaptations of his written work, they start to blend together and soon you don’t know if you’re discussing Michael Fassbender’s Macbeth, Roman Polanski’s version of Macbeth or one of the many stage plays with Patrick Stewart. However, in 2019 an unexpected name added theirs to the list. Joel Coen bravely entered into the fold with a stunning adaptation of one of the most famous plays in history. In a rare solo effort, Coen was to write and direct this film without the involvement of his brother, Ethan. However, this was to his benefit as he showed us what an iconic filmmaker he is even without Ethan to support him.
Filmed only on sound stages in L.A, there is an all-encompassing feel to the film making it not only oppressive and but also extremely fast-paced for such a short film. Coen’s visuals are stunning and the use of black and white not only feels natural but it feels needed as the audience is plunged into shadows, mimicking the narrative. Bruno Delbonnel’s cinematography and Stefan Dechant’s production design leaned into the atmospheric visuals Coen had created. The former uses his talents to make the scenes harsh and unyielding, allowing the audience to only see what needs to be seen in the same way a play is set up on the stage. The latter encourages this by his use of minimalist sets and props, there is nothing in a scene that is not going to be used by one of the actors; every detail is important and assists the story as a whole.
Denzel Washington stuns as a loyal solider before descending into madness; his signature Hollywood charm replaced with a commanding presence which is fascinating to those who have not seen him in this type of role before. Similarly, Frances McDormand is, unsurprisingly, just as impressive as Lady Macbeth, a role with which she settles into naturally. The supporting cast includes Brendan Gleeson as the King; Bertie Carvel as Banquo; Corey Hawkins as Macduff and Henry Melling as Malcom who all rise to the challenge of playing these iconic characters, particularly Hawkins who dazzles as a fierce solider jostling with guilt over the loss of his wife and children.
However the most stunning performance comes from Kathryn Hunter as the three witches. Hunter brings a powerful physical performance as the only witch whose face you see. The first scene in which we meet her, she’s sat on the floor as she twists and turns, her bones looking disjointed, the scene crackling with eeriness. In the next scene, she is standing by a pool of water as she presents herself to Macbeth and Banquo, with two reflections presented in the water too, adding the sense of the macabre to the screen. Coen offers the audience a different perspective to the iconic three witches’ characters whilst also allowing Hunter to take centre stage, thus makes the adaptation all the more captivating.
The Tragedy of Macbeth is an honourable adaptation, not only honouring the original text (the script uses only Shakespearean language) but also honouring the stage adaptations that came before it. Coen’s artistic film is a welcome version of the play that we didn’t think we needed; a highly stylised version that leans into the eeriness, thriller-like and violent narrative with nuance and passion.
The Tragedy of Macbeth is currently showing at cinemas and will be released on Apple TV+ on the 14th January
Written by Issy Packer
Hi, I’m Issy, the Music and Film Editor at The Everyday! I’m an English Literature graduate and have been passionate about all things to do with writing and journalism from a young age. I am interested in a number of things, including politics, feminism, music and film. You can find me either at the cinema watching all sorts of films or trying to work my way through the long list of books I’m desperate to read.