The Tragedy of Macbeth

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 25, 2021 (limited), January 14, 2022 (Apple TV+)

Genre
Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Denzel Washington as Macbeth
• Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth
• Corey Hawkins as Macduff
• Brendan Gleeson as King Duncan
• Harry Melling as Malcolm
• Kathryn Hunter as the Witches

Director
Joel Coen

Other Movies Director is Known For

• No Country for Old Men (2007)
• Fargo (1996)
• The Big Lebowski (1998)
• Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
• True Grit (2010)

Producer
Joel Coen, Frances McDormand, Robert Graf

Writer
Joel Coen (adaptation), based on the play by William Shakespeare

Budget
$20-25 million

Production Company
A24, IAC Films

Running Time
105 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for violence)

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence
• Dark and disturbing themes
• Murder and betrayal
• Psychological horror

Movie Story
The Tragedy of Macbeth is Joel Coen’s bold and visually striking adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic play. The film stays true to the original text, presenting a stripped-down, minimalist version of the story, set against a stark, monochromatic backdrop that evokes a timeless and otherworldly atmosphere.

The story follows Macbeth (Denzel Washington), a Scottish lord who is told by a trio of mysterious witches (Kathryn Hunter) that he is destined to become king. Spurred on by the prophecy and the ambition of his wife, Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand), Macbeth murders King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson) and seizes the throne. However, the crown comes with a heavy price, as Macbeth is consumed by paranoia, guilt, and madness. As he becomes increasingly tyrannical and unhinged, those around him begin to turn against him, leading to a bloody and inevitable downfall.

The film is a masterclass in atmosphere and tension, with Coen’s direction and Bruno Delbonnel’s stark black-and-white cinematography creating a nightmarish vision of Scotland that is both haunting and beautiful. The minimalist sets and the claustrophobic framing add to the sense of doom and foreboding that pervades the film, while the intense performances from Washington and McDormand bring Shakespeare’s complex characters to life in a way that is both powerful and deeply human.

Special Effects
The special effects in The Tragedy of Macbeth are subtle but highly effective, enhancing the film’s eerie, dreamlike quality. The use of shadow and light plays a crucial role in creating the film’s otherworldly atmosphere, with the stark black-and-white visuals adding to the sense of unease. The supernatural elements, particularly the scenes involving the witches, are handled with a minimalist approach, relying more on mood and suggestion than overt effects, which only heightens their unsettling impact.

Box Office Performance
The Tragedy of Macbeth had a limited theatrical release, followed by a streaming release on Apple TV+. While it did not make a significant impact at the box office, the film was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, particularly for its visual style and performances. Its release strategy was more focused on awards consideration and critical acclaim than commercial success.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Stages in black-and-white settings

Notable Quotes

• “By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.” – The Witches
• “Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?” – Macbeth
• “Out, out, brief candle!” – Macbeth

Behind-the-Scenes

• This film marks Joel Coen’s first solo directorial effort without his brother Ethan.
• The decision to shoot in black-and-white was made to emphasize the stark, minimalist nature of the adaptation and to evoke the feel of classic Hollywood films.
• Kathryn Hunter’s performance as the Witches received significant attention for its unique and haunting interpretation, using contortionist movements to enhance the otherworldly nature of the characters.

Awards

• Academy Awards: Nominated for 3 Oscars (Best Actor for Denzel Washington, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design)
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Cinematography
• Critics’ Choice Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Denzel Washington), Best Director (Joel Coen)
• Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Denzel Washington)

Final Verdict
The Tragedy of Macbeth is a visually stunning and intense adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, showcasing Joel Coen’s unique vision and Denzel Washington’s powerful performance. The film’s minimalist approach and striking black-and-white cinematography create a haunting atmosphere that complements the dark and tragic story. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its stylized nature, fans of Shakespeare and artful filmmaking will find much to admire in this bold reimagining of a classic tale.

IMDb Rating
7.1/10