'The Tragedy of Macbeth' film review: Washington's commanding turn highlights a striking, no-frills adaptation
Stellar performances from Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand highlight the cinematic and faithful reimaging of 'The Tragedy of Macbeth' (in theaters nationwide Dec. 25 and streaming on Apple TV+ Jan. 14, 2022).
In short: Writer-director Joel Coen directs an adaptation of 'Macbeth,' starring Washington, McDormand, Bertie Carvel, Alex Hassell, Corey Hawkins and Brendan Gleeson.
Virtually everyone knows 'Macbeth' - the selling point this update is two of the greatest living actors take command of two of the most iconic characters in all of storytelling, and it's all under the guidance of one of the best co-directors of the modern era.
The aphorism that "Theatre is Life. Film is Art" doesn't apply to this film adaptation of the Shakespeare classic. Joel Coen, directing his first feature film without his long-time co-director and brother Ethan Coen, has found the perfect blend of cinematic scale, while retaining all the intimacy of the theater. Consider the 2015 'Macbeth' (starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard) - a rock solid re-telling in its own right and a wonderful, vibrant translation of the story (penned for stage) to screen. But that 2015 version could only exist on the big screen. 'The Tragedy of Macbeth' is simultaneously a film worth seeing on the biggest screen possible, and a film that looks like it could easily be translated back to the stage.
Shot in striking monochrome and staged with oppressive set designs, 'Tragedy' is a stark and compelling work of film. The spartan film has a decidedly minimalist, German expressionistic design, with simple but imposing great halls and corridors setting the scene for this emotionally complex story. Everything about the look and feel of 'Tragedy' is precisely crafted to focus on the human performances - while simultaneously infusing the film with an eeriness and tension that permeates the entire film.
Denzel Washington puts on a top-tier acting class as the once noble general turned paranoid despot. Everyone knows Washington is amazing. The role is rich and dimensional. But seeing Washington in this role is a performance impossible to ignore or even look away from. Macbeth has always been characterized as a gentleman turned tormented murdered - and his utter, self-inflicted downfall is what makes him such a compelling character to watch, as he is seduced by potential and wracked with mistrust. Despite these massive character swings for Macbeth, Washington's performance is nuanced and generally understated - selectively going to emotional extremes
Final verdict: Joel Coen has crafted an emotionally taut and resonate film with the intimacy of a stage play, highlighted by one of the year's best acting performances. It’s impossible to improve upon Shakespeare - so ‘Tragedy’ justifies this adaptation with arresting craftsmanship and incredible performances.
Score: 4.5/5
'The Tragedy of Macbeth' opens in theaters nationwide Dec. 25 and streams on Apple TV+ starting Jan. 14, 2022. This film has a running time of 128 minutes and is rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and pervasive language
