Macbeth

filmcapsule

This approach to Macbeth is aggressive and bold, both very unconventional but also strangely fitting to the maddening tone of Shakespeare's play. Visually, its maximalism and use of heightened colors and textures teases out the madness and anxiety in the text that seems to get under your skin.

J. O.

Easily one of the most gorgeous films of recent years, as well as the most bloodcurdling and visceral adaptation of Shakespeare since, well, Polanski's Macbeth. The reading was a little off - the cadence in particular. Odd pauses and chopped-up soliloquies make the language more difficult than if it were read as intended. Otherwise, it was a triumph. The score, the art direction, the pace - all masterful.

Zach Closs

A grim, visually gorgeous and vividly cinematic tone-poem; a pitch-perfect adaptation of that Scottish play. Kurzel's remarkable reconstruction of the text results in some truly moving vignettes -- Cotillard's "out damned spot" monologue, in particular, burned in the memory. A good example (among many) of something re-framed in such a way that develops character and plays against expectations.

msmichel

The cinematography of Adam Arkapaw is quite awe inspiring as is the music score by Jed Kurzel, but this latest take on Shakespeare's play fails to live up to expectation or comparison to its many adaptations. The main issue may be the sound recording making actors seem muffled or hurried not letting the text weave its power. Performances vary greatly and the film in the end lies in mediocrity not triumph.

Filipe F. Coutinho

powered by hypnotic cinematography that actually services the narrative, Kurzel’s adaptation of Macbeth differs ever-so slightly from the Shakespeare play, finding its strength in compelling visions from the artists behind the camera and riveting performances, namely from Marion Cotillard whose portrayal as Lady Macbeth is utterly involving.

Teona Gal

3.5. Visually stunning, every frame is a painting. Fassbender is lazy, I don't know why the fuck would one be lazy about this character. Also, I'm impressed that the film succeeded in catching the play's atmosphere really well. I'm curious about this director.

smndvdcl

An unremitting tour-de-force adaptation: Macbeth's despotic actions and lust for power (a catalyst for his snowballing madness) is stark to the bone and cold to the core. Macbeth (Fassbender), Lady Macbeth (Cotillard), Banquo (Considine) and Macduff (Harris) played with a depth of conviction. The cinematography is an appropriately insidious canvas, with the score haunting each scene, frame-by-frame. Profoundly good.

El Biffo

Family Film Night: My teenager chooses another ultra-violent picture :-/ . . .nice cinematography, tho, and Marion Cotillard is always great. 3.6 stars.