The Tragedy of Macbeth: Not a Tragedy
By Olivia Mermagen
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH
Directed by Joel Coen
On 5th December 2021 I was fortunate enough to see an early screening of The Tragedy of Macbeth at the AMC Lincoln Square IMAX. Written and directed by Joel Coen, this entirely monochrome film is based on the playtext written by William Shakespeare of the same name. Many may wonder why we need a film version of Macbeth with so many previous film versions in circulation; Micheal Fassbender played the titular character in a 2015 production and Patrick Stewart was directed by Richard Goold in a 2010 TV adaptation. Whatsmore, theatrical productions are currently being put up across the world; Saoirse Ronan has just finished a run as Lady Macbeth at the Almeida theatre in London and Daniel Craig is set to play the title role on Broadway from March. However, Coen sets his production apart with his ingenious use of unsettling and stark imagery that is justification enough for his new adaptation. The freedom that the film brings creates an entirely different experience of the playtext to which the production remains impressively faithful to.
Bruno Delbonnel’s cinematography is masterful throughout. Character’s move in and out of moody shots that are totally immersed in a thick fog or surrounded by long shadows. It frames the story with an icy coldness that forces the audience onto the edge of their seats. We see a particularly disturbing image when Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane as leaves swirl mercilessly around Denzel Washington’s Macbeth. This is perfectly framed by the ominous sound design that adds to the unwavering tension that is present throughout the production. Although there is no traditional musical score, the dripping of Ducan’s blood seamlessly merges with the tolling of the bell and then returns to haunt you, adding a musicality to the film unlike any I have seen before. The images of the original play text are emphasised through these subtle details further setting aside Coen’s production as perhaps the most honest adaptation of Macbeth ever.
These extraordinary elements of filmmaking marry perfectly with the acting which is equally as stylised and moving. Francis McDormand first played Lady Macbeth when she was fourteen years old and the culmination of years working on this character is a marvel to watch. Every line is delivered with a ruthless calculation that understandably convinces Macbeth to murder the old king of Scotland, Duncan. A particular stand out moment for me was her deliverance of the well known “unsex me here” monologue which is no easy feat for any actor. It was performed with such unnerving conviction it made my skin crawl. Much like Lady Macbeth is Macbeth’s “dearest partner of greatness”, Denzel Washington’s performance is equally as fantastic as Francis McDormand’s. His presentation of Macbeth’s descent into madness is entirely enthralling, as we see a man already exhausted becoming paranoid and angry.
The Tragedy of Macbeth is being released in theatres on the 25th of December, 2021 prior to being streamed on Apple TV+ from the 14th of January, 2022. During the live question and answer session after the showing of the film, Francis McDormand was asked about the nature of this roll out for the film and what the impact of it being released on Apple TV would be. She said that she hoped that every kid who studied the play would be able to watch the version on their phone or laptop and perhaps understand it a bit better. But to limit The Tragedy of Macbeth’s audience to those who are studying Macbeth in school, would be a crime. Everyone who has access to a phone or a computer should watch this retelling as it proves Shakespeare is not only still relevant to contemporary society but his work can still be moving and impactful.
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH
Directed by Joel Coen
A24. 105 min.