Review: Macbeth
Content Editor, Film Critic and Writer for ComiConverse.com, the Founder and co-host of the official Nerdcast Network Podcast
Macbeth is out in theatres and our Lead Film Critic Jordan Samuel has all the details on the film adaptation based on William Shakespeare's play The Tragedy of Macbeth.
At school I hated the play Macbeth with a passion, but upon in giving it another chance the story grasped me with how close it was too many classical movies – thus making me finally falling in love with William Shakespeare.
Many people might be wondering why do a reboot Macbeth, but honestly I don't think the story has been done right in years. If anything, this new depiction will allow more people to get into Shakespeare, which is an amazing accomplishment on its own - but does the new Macbeth work on screen?
2015 has been full of blockbusters and such, so Macbeth feels like some fresh air on the cinema screens for me; with some real meaty additions that allows it shine every bit as Marvel's big Hollywood movies.
Now critics have been praising this retelling with with a great deal of acclaim, but will it be the movie which will win Oscars this award season?
The film's huge cast stars Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Sean Harris, Elizabeth Debicki, David Thewlis, Jack Reynor, Paddy Considine, David Hayman, Lynn Kennedy, Seylan Baxter, Kayla Fallon and Amber Rissmann.
Summary:
If you really need one, here it is.
After murdering King Duncan (David Thewlis) and seizing the throne, Macbeth (Michael Fassbender) becomes consumed with guilt and paranoia as the tyrannical ruler of Scotland.
Critique:
When this film was announced I was very happy and man does it deliver, with some Oscar worthy performances; placing it in good company with some of the other hits in September and now October. Many people already know the story of Macbeth, but this adaptation really feels like the reinvention it needed in move format, with outstanding visuals and spooky theatrics.
Director Justin Kurzel shines with Macbeth as he explores the insane king in many ways; including his guilt and paranoia on a deeply psychological level, Kurzel makes excellent use of Micheal Fassbender' skills and deserves credit for doing so.
Fassbender was born to play Macbeth and this film showcases that, each time he was on screen I was mesmerized with how he brought the character to life from his booming voice to hardened warrior reactions – for his performance alone in Macbeth deserves awards. .
Marion Cotillard (aka Talia al Ghul) is just as legendary with her take on Lady Macbeth who pressures her husband to commit his evil deeds, she also works well with Fassbender. I was pleasantly surprised with this casting choice as she puts on one of her best performances yet; with some really intelligent dialog and expression.
Paddy Considine also shows well in Macbeth as Banquo who comes out of nowhere with his performance which is strange yet so interesting.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. star, Elizabeth Debicki, who plays Lady Macduff with so much class, but sadly doesn’t hit Oscar level work in my opinion maybe it’s due her role not being that crucial here – this young lady has got a massive future ahead though.
Action is done well in Macbeth with director Kurzel showcasing talent here, each scene felt different from each other with some dynamic cinematography that should be highlighted on its own. Fassbender also excels in these sequences sometimes feeling like a proper mad man, helped via the brilliant direction.
Walking into the movie theatre at mid-night to see this film was an outstanding experience, with many people cueing outside. Macbeth was well worth the hassle.
Macbeth is, with no doubt, the best movie adaptation of the beloved story yet, with an amazing cast and great direction; hopefully this trend will transition into Justin Kurzel's next big budget film Assassins Creed.
Jordan Samuel is the Lead Film Critic for ComiConverse. Follow him on Twitter: @LoadingBarsUK
Excellent
Macbeth is a blast with an amazing cast and great direction.