'Tragedy of Macbeth' visually striking adaptation

In the Apple TV+/A24 presentation of ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth,’ a Scottish lord becomes convinced by a trio of witches that he will become the next King of Scotland.

His ambitious wife will do anything to support him in his plans of seizing power.

‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ is a visually compelling film based on the William Shakespeare play. The film delivers amazing cinematography and, of course, brilliant performances.

Denzel Washington gives another superb performance (like always) as Macbeth. He can be quite intense and emotional in a few scenes and his entire portrayal is simply incredible. And Washington definitely deserved his Oscar nomination for the film. The same goes for Frances McDormand, who portrays his wife, Lady Macbeth. Truly compelling performances all around. The black and white cinematography really helps set the tone of this film. It adds to the eeriness and the intensity of some scenes. The black and white also works brilliantly in the opening moments when we are introduced to the witches. You will have to see it for yourself. The scenery that is shown outside the castle is visually well done and has a little haunting feel as well.

If you enjoy the works of William Shakespeare, then I highly suggest you check out ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ during the Spring Film Festival.

The cast: Denzel Washington (The Little Things) as Macbeth; Frances McDormand (The French Dispatch) as Lady Macbeth; Alex Hassell (Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop) as Ross; Bertie Carvel as Banquo; Brendan Gleeson (Netflix’s Ballad of Buster Scruggs) as Duncan; Corey Hawkins (In the Heights) as Macduff; Harry Melling (Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit) as Malcolm; Miles Anderson (La La Land) as Lennox; Matt Helm (Apple’s Greyhound) as Donalbain; Lucas Barker as Fleance and Kathryn Hunter as the Witches.

‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ is written and directed by renowned director Joel Coen.

A new film adaptation of ‘Macbeth’ was announced in March 2019 with Joel Coen in a rare solo directing job. The entire production was shot on a sound stage to give t

he film a look “untethered from reality.”

Denzel Washington was the first actor to be nominated for a performance in a Shakespearean film since Kenneth Branagh was nominated for 1989s ‘Henry V,’ 32 years earlier. The film had its world premiere at the 2021 New York Film Festival on September 24, 2021. ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ is rated R for violence and has a running time of 105 minutes.

The remaining show dates and times for the film in the Dietrich’s spring film festival are: Wednesday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, April 27, at 4:30 p.m.