'Macbeth' A Review

Macbeth is the story of a Scottish general who would be king, an adaptation of the Shakespeare classic. The film opens on the death of a child and then a battle which are only expositionally referred to in the play. With the first scene the tone is set, periodic slow motion,saturated cinematography, and a haunting score serve to enhance the compelling language of the bard in this story of bloody ambition and madness. Hardened soldier Macbeth(Michael Fassbender) plots with his wife Lady Macbeth(Marion Cotillard) to kill the King and usurp his position.

The cast feels authentic, part of the bleak and beautiful landscape where honor, ambition, and revenge have real dimension. Fassbender and Cotillard excel as the two leads, relishing their scenes and siloquees, bringing a fresh and new perspective to the classic material. Their chemistry does leave a bit to be desired, although not flat the sparks fly not in scenes together but with other characters. Paddy Considine as Banquo, Sean Harris as Macduff, and the Weird Sisters also put in exceptional performances bringing a compelling humanity to the challenging source material.

The film takes advantage of its medium and shows scenes that are only referred to in the play, it also takes a number of liberties with some interpretations, these flourishes pay off, the story of Macbeth is the same as it ever was but there's a freshness and an edge to this adaptation that makes it unique. The visuals are rich and dynamic, the score eerie, and the production design grand and tragic.

An intense and vibrant modern adaptation of a classic.

See It.