Film Review: The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) Dir. Joel Coen
Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand (L-R) Photo by Alison Cohen Rosa © Courtesy of Apple TV+ A24
Written by Belle McIntyre
The story of Macbeth is macabre, dramatic and operatic and one of Shakespeare’s most well-known and often performed plays. Joel Coen has directed a brilliant film version which is as close to a theatrical experience as I can imagine. Filmed in gorgeous high-contrast black and white with silvery mid tones, the austere stripped down abstract architectural sets lend every scene the highest of high drama. The opening foggy scenes are filled with malevolent portents in the form of ominous circling black birds in the distance and sudden flurries of flocks of ravens swooping in as if in attack mode. The ravens and the fog become leitmotifs.
The opening scene is after a triumphant battle in Scotland where Macbeth (Denzell Washington) has distinguished himself on the battlefield and receives news that he has been elevated to the rank of Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan, which puts him next in succession. On their way home from the battlefield Macbeth and his compatriot Banquo encounter three witches (all played by Kathryn Hunter), who make prophesies that Macbeth will become king and that Banquo’s sons will become kings. This sets all of the nefarious actions which follow in motion. When Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand) receives King Duncan and her husband in their castle, she has already become obsessed with the idea of Macbeth becoming king. She invokes the famous “Unsex me” monologue to enable her to have the strength of a man to persuade her husband in her ambitions for him.
Kathryn Hunter © Courtesy of Apple TV+ and A24
Denzel Washington Photo by: Alison Cohen Rosa © Courtesy of Apple TV+ and A24
Needless to say, this being one of Shakespeare’s tragedies, there are vast quantities of blood spilled, treachery and betrayal. As the dastardly deeds mount up and revenge is being plotted on all sides, the guilt begins to take a toll on Macbeth’s conscience. This is where the most dramatic
appearance of the three witches with the “Double, double, toil and trouble” chant is delivered from a sinister superstructure overhead. It is truly chilling and very ominous. He has a mad scene during a dinner in which he believes he is seeing people who are dead. So far, Lady Macbeth is holding fast as she tries to bring her husband back from the edge. However, as the witch’s second prophecy appears to be coming true Macbeth’s actions become more brutal and erratic. Lady Macbeth, feeling the intensity of her guilt kills herself while her husband is away.
Finally Macduff, the most wronged of them all, kills Macbeth and Scotland is saved.
Joel Coen, Frances McDormand (L-R) Photo by Alison Cohen Rosa © Courtesy of Apple TV+ and A24
The cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel involves radically off-kilter cameral angles, diagonal or unusual shots from below or above feel Wellesian. The harsh lighting and the exaggerated scale of the sets by Stefan Dechant, which include all manner of arches, columns and windows frame the actors in a way that replicates a staged production. The performances are superb. Denzell is predictably powerful and compelling. Frances McDormand is a revelation. I guess by now we should not be surprised by anything from her. It is not for beginners.
Moses Ingram Photo by: Alison Cohen Rosa © Courtesy of Apple TV+ and A24
Photo Editor: Nikhita Samala
