“Macbeth” is one of Shakespeare’s most famous dramas. This latest film adaptation of the 400-year-old play is not updated or modernized in any way. It’s bare-bones Bard, complete with the dialogue directly from William’s pen and what all of Shakespeare’s tragedies are packed with: lots and lots of death.
‘Tis one of the grimmer pictures I’ve seen all year. A bloody battle opens “Macbeth”, a sequence in which director Justin Kurzel shifts back-and-forth between real-time and slow-motion (“300”-esque). This technique is a little annoying, though it nicely sets-up the layers of Macbeth’s psychological state of mind. Our title character, doth not a hero by any means, is embodied by Michael Fassbender, who commands the screen, but not quite at the level of his “Steve Jobs” performance from earlier this year.
The story picks-up momentum with the entrance of Lady Macbeth. Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard has some standout scenes as an emotionally stressed, and deceiving wife, though she’s shown in a much better light here than in the classic text. “Macbeth” gets more interesting as it progresses, as Fassbender embraces his role as the new Scottish King, wielding his power over everyone around him, and quickly (too quickly) losing his mind. However, at no point does this version ever reach captivating heights. There are too many over-dramatized shots (especially with blood red scenery), some odd editing and choppy dialogue/narration choices.
But…”What’s Done Cannot Be Undone”.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Macbeth” gets a C+.
Running Time: 113 min.