The Tragedy of Macbeth is the solo directorial debut of Joel Coen, and it’s based on the play of the same name by William Shakespeare, originally published in 1623. It’s about a Scottish lord, the titular Macbeth (Washington), who’s convinced by a trio of witches he will become the next King of Scotland. Aided by his ambitious wife (McDormand), he embarks on a self-fulfilling prophecy in his pursuit of power.
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most adapted works, and there have been some excellent renditions in the past. Notable versions have been directed by Orson Welles, Justin Kurzel, and Roman Polanski. Another recent version features Sir Patrick Stewart in the title role. Most notably, the great Akira Kurosawa created his own interpretation with Throne of Blood, transferring the story from Scotland to feudal Japan.
To say the bar has been set high for Macbeth adaptations would be an understatement. Still, Joel Coen’s adaptation might be the best of the lot. It utilizes the best parts of prior versions, including Kurosawa’s fog and Welles’ use of sound stages. This film is a work of art in its own right, building off the greatness of the original play and cementing its own place in history. It’s a visually striking movie featuring abstract beauty and an unsettling atmosphere.
While this is his first time directing a film alone, Joel Coen is a seasoned veteran. He has directed films with his brother Ethan, as The Coen Brothers, since 1984. They’re two of the greatest filmmakers of all time, creating a unique oeuvre of films including Raising Arizona, Barton Fink, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, O Brother Where Art Thou?, and No Country For Old Men. The latter won four Academy Awards, including Best Writing, Best Directing, and Best Motion Picture of the Year.
The Tragedy of Macbeth stands tall with the best of Coen’s work with his brother. It feels like the work of a veteran, while also serving as a fresh start…