My review of movie The Tragedy of Macbeth

It can’t go too wrong with Macbeth. With its intriguing plot line, it has all the essential ingredients to make a good story/film, power, murder, treachery, witches and prophecies. There have been quite a few of Macbeth film already. I’ve seen Polanski’s 1971 version and Kurosawa’s 1957 loose adaptation Throne of Blood, which shifts the setting from 11th century Scotland to 6th century Japan.

Now I watched another one – The Tragedy of Macbeth, directed by one of the Coen brothers and starring by Denzel Washington. The characters speak old fashioned English, which makes it difficult for me to follow sometimes. Overall, it is an outstanding production. Though a pared-down version, it catches the essence of the story with some very creative twists: the three witches becomes one who can pull her body into improbable positions. A rather imposing man with natural authority, Washington seems to be born to play the tragic lead. The way he mumbles sometimes reflects his vulnerability and his inner turmoil.

Frances McDormand is a fantastic actress, but I found her performance here too measured and there isn’t anything new or nuanced in her portrait of Lady Macbeth, partly because she has not been given enough stage time, yet the role needs that time. The character can easily fall into the stereotype – a power-thirsty woman who drives her husband to murder and is the source of all evil.

Apart from the witch, I found the character Ross intriguing. This shifty eyed Scottish nobleman is a messenger of some sort. In the opening scene, he brings Macbeth the news that Duncan has made him the Thane of Cawdor. He hangs around at the court at lot, but in the end, he turns against Macbeth and joins Malcolm to topple him.

At times, I felt I was watching a play – well, it is based on a play, but the production makes the most of what a film can offer. In black and white, the cinematography is stunning. The shadows, shifting patterns and desolate landscape all emphasize the tragic and melancholic mood.

I am going to watch the version by Orson Welles.