Shakespeare’s plays have been adapted to the screen many times, but few are actually done so in the format of a ‘movie’. Even when they have found their way in front of a camera, very seldom does a film production capture the essence of his stories in a manner appropriate for the screen. Although, it has been done. Justin Kurzel succeeded and frankly, exceeded, in adapting Macbeth. Macbeth was screened in 2015, starring Michael Fassbender as Macbeth and Marion Cotillard as his Lady Macbeth. Being that many theatre practitioners believe that Shakespeare should be left on the stage, and film fans aren’t often fans of his plays, the movie did not open to a large box office showing. This was unfortunate.
Macbeth is a Scottish military man in service to King Duncan. Upon hearing a prophecy that he will soon become king of Scotland
Macbeth is a Scottish military man in service to King Duncan. Upon hearing a prophecy that he will soon become king of Scotland, and with a slight nudge from his wife Lady Macbeth, he soon takes it upon himself to seize the thrown for his own. However once doing so, his paranoia and guilt slowly begin to send him into madness, spiralling out of control down a road he cannot come back from. It is a classic story that even most have probably studied at one point or another in English courses, but the way Kurzel directs this piece is unlike any Shakespeare adaptation that’s been produced prior.
Kurzel’s visuals are stunning. The scenic shots are what can only be described as immaculate, almost as if Kurzel shot the movie in another universe. The style in which the war scenes were shot/edited is unparalleled, making effective use of slow motion framing when necessary. Even all of this being the case, the biggest contributing factor still lies in Shakespeare’s text. The verse and overall story in which William Shakespeare wrote is a classic tale of betrayal, loss, and eventually, insanity. Fassbender embodies these notions with an accomplished acting display. Cotillard however, is a gift that keeps on giving long even after. She is almost too good, as Lady Macbeth. The grief she unveils in her performance is not talked about enough, particularly in the speech she gives where Kurzel directs an unusually long still shot of her breaking down. Paddy Considine as Banquo is hauntingly relevant, even though his screen time is minimal. Then there is Sean Harris as Macduff, whose outing is one that shows a plethora of different nuances and deep faculties.
Macbeth may turn some people off because of the language, but trust and believe, these actors speak Shakespeare’s verse with the upmost intention and understanding. So do not fear the language, do not be afraid to misunderstand a few things. Kurzel and his cast make for a comprehensible movie that yes, will require some patience, but no, isn’t so complex that one must be a scholar to follow it. Macbeth is available in select territories on Amazon Prime and across multiple other platforms for rent and purchase. Give it a watch. “Something wicked this way comes..”
