The Tragedy of Macbeth

“Is this a dazzling film which I see before me?” Yes. Yes, it is.

Within two minutes, I was mesmerized by “The Tragedy of Macbeth”—the most recent film adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” Directed by Joel Coen—one half of the acclaimed directing duo Coen brothers (“Fargo,” “No Country for Old Men”)—this film lives in an ethereal realm somewhere between the stage of a theater and the silver glow of a movie screen.

Macbeth (Denzel Washington — “Training Day,” “The Equalizer”) is the most respected soldier in 11th century war-torn Scotland. As he returns home with his comrade Banquo (Bertie Carvel—“Doctor Foster: A Woman Scorned”), he encounters three witches. They vow that Macbeth will be promoted to Thane of Cawdor and eventually become king. They also suggest that Banquo’s children will succeed him as king.

Once home, he and Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand — “Fargo,” “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”) plot to assassinate the king. Their plot succeeds, and now they must remove every obstacle in their way that may hinder Macbeth’s rule. He doesn’t want his deeds to pave the way for Banquo’s children, so he must even try to kill his former comrade along with his family. Macbeth grows increasingly confident when the witches make two predictions: 1) he cannot be overthrown unless the forest walks, and 2) no one born of a woman can kill him. This makes Macbeth feel charmed, yet his guilt and shame begin to blur his reality and threaten his reign.

Macbeth’s shame impacted him immediately after he assassinated his king. That guilt leads to one disastrous choice after another. It’s reminiscent of King David. He was a great king, but his sin led to terrible choices that destroyed him from within.

Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and body with grief.

My life is consumed by anguish
and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,
and my bones grow weak.

Because of all my enemies,
I am the utter contempt of my neighbors
and an object of dread to my closest friends—
those who see me on the street flee from me. —Psalm 31:9-11

In the Psalms, King David calls out for God’s refuge, but in “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Macbeth’s slow fall into depravity leads to ultimate destruction.

This is a fascinating story that has been excellently crafted into a film. Shakespeare’s language has sometimes been difficult for me to follow, but these filmmakers have masterfully used editing, sound, and music in a way that hypnotized me into a state where I could fully grasp every plot, every emotion, and every fear leading to Macbeth’s descent.

The performances are awe-inspiring—specifically the lead performances of Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. Where their language may confuse me, their emotions kept me cognizant. This is enhanced by the directing decision to use a 4x3 narrow aspect ratio that brings the characters’ faces to the forefront. Their eyes tell me what is happening when the language is beyond me.

In my opinion, this film is truly a masterful achievement.

Content of Concern

That being said, it has elements (aka hurly-burly) that will be offensive to certain sensibilities—as would be the case with any of Shakespeare’s works. There are several moments of extreme violence. Specifically, the king’s assassination is graphic and horrifying both to the characters and to us as the audience. There is some very disturbing language delivered by Lady Macbeth of a sexual and violent manner. Also, the witches are very evil and very frightening—the way they move and speak will haunt certain audience members.

Adding to the brilliance of Shakespeare’s play, Joel Coen has made some creative decisions to strengthen this film adaptation. Particularly, he enhanced the character of Ross—originally a subordinate character. In this film, Ross (Alex Hassell — “Cowboy Bebop”) is a key component to drive the plot. His presence at every major event weighs heavily, and it makes you wonder, “is he fair, or is he foul?”

• Violence: Very Heavy (and often bloody)— • man stabbed in the throat • beheading in battle with head later displayed • execution by beheading • man’s throat slashed • man stabbed and pushed down stairs • assassins murder people, including a family with children • child thrown from height to his death • war battles • sword fights and stabbings resulting in deaths (man run through with sword) • woman falls to her death
• Occult: Very Heavy
• Profane language: Moderate— • “d*mn” (4) • “d*mnation” • “Good God” • “G*d” • Also mentioned are the devil and Beelzebub
• Vulgar/Crude language: Moderate— • “p*ss” • suggestive sexual hand gestures by a porter talking about lechery • “Unsex me” • “Come to my woman’s breasts and take my milk for gall” • “Birth-strangled babe” • “Pluck out my eyes”
• Sex: Mild— • Husband/wife kisses and hugs
• Alcohol/Drugs: Mild— • Drinking • Woman drugs King’s servants to sleep
• Nudity: Minor— • partial view of man’s bare chest

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

• Positive
• Critics