The Tragedy of Macbeth
First, our world as movie goers is certainly changing. Our grandparents used to see only NEW movies at a theaters. Now, with streaming we are getting NEW, even expensive movies, debuting on our larger TV screens. And, in fact, the newest and better TV programs are moving to streaming too.
The Tragedy of Macbeth is new on Apple TV directed by Joel Coen and is based on the play by William Shakespeare. The film stars Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. Both are incredible here.
This movie it is very visually different and unique. It is shot in black and white with a 3 by 4 picture. The scenery and cinematography add to the eerie feeling this movie projects. Yet, it does use Dolby Atmos.
About 20% (my estimate) of the dialogue has been eliminated. This quickens the pacing of the movie and tightens it’s focus. I must say that I turned on the closed captions which helped me follow the dialogue better. We need to remember that this was a stage play, from a different era, where pacing was much slower.
Yet some things are in place for a contemporary movie. MacBeth meets three witches who enigmatically predict his future. Thrusted by ambition he kills Duncan and becomes the new king of Scotland. Yet, he and his wife are haunted by what they have done.
The performances are just great, the direction is imaginative and the visuals are intriguing. If you like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing you would like.
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