With his latest film currently in post-production, fans can hardly wait for Joel Coen's brilliance to finally hit the big screen again. This time though, it's going to an adaptation of a Shakespeare classic. The Tragedy of Macbeth is set to star Frances McDormand and Denzel Washington and will premiere later in 2021.
However, before fans get too excited, there are some other flicks that they should get to binging. From other Shakespeare adaptations to more of Joel Coen's work, there are period pieces and masterful storytelling works that should be studied and enjoyed before diving into this highly-anticipated movie.
Throne Of Blood (1957): Available On Apple TV
There's a lot of 'secret' adaptations of Shakespeare's work, and this 1957 flick might just fit that bill. Based on Macbeth, this story unfolds in Japan in a similar but brilliantly different way - following a tough general and his ambitious wife in the midst of a prophecy.
Plus, dating way back to 1957, the black-and-white flair of this film will be rumored in Coen's own black-and-white flick. Throne of Blood was produced in Japan and is an amazing international film adaptation of Shakespeare's work. It's a totally unique film that will just get fans more excited about Coen's upcoming work.
Richard III (1995): Available On Amazon Video
Throwing it back to 1995, this tells the story of Richard III, played thrillingly and viciously by Ian McKellen. With another story of usurping the throne and a feud of family, Richard III is a great binge before Coen's movie.
With war and drama, the movie follows the play - with the scheme of a king's murder - but sets itself in a different era: 1930s England, when fascism is on the horizon. It's true to the core of the tale but takes a unique route, which fans can also be sure that Joel Coen's will, too.
Fargo (1996): Available On Amazon Video
This might be the perfect choice for those wanting to get prepared for the directing and writing of Joel Coen, and a starring role for Frances McDormand. Fargo is definitely quirkier and more outlandish than The Tragedy of Macbeth will likely be, but it's still a must-see.
McDormand is Marge Gunderson, an intelligent, kind, and ambitious cop - who is also pregnant. She gets caught in the midst of a crime deal gone wrong, where lives are lost and money is in the wrong hands. With some hilarious quips and a strong and lovable female lead, it's a perfect watch before seeing Coen and McDormand work together again.
The Man Who Wasn't There (2001): Available On Amazon Video
For those who are a bit unfamiliar with Joel Coen's work, there are a few must-sees to prepare for his spin on Macbeth's tale. The Man Who Wasn't There stars Billy Bob Thornton and Frances McDormand (who is set to play Lady Macbeth!).
Taking place in 1949, a reserved barber blackmails his wife's boss after discovering he is also her lover, but his plan fails miserably amidst greed, death, and foul play. With ambitions, lust, passion, marriage, and greed, it certainly isn't a far cry from Shakespeare's story - and it's a Coen brothers movie at its finest.
Training Day (2001): Available On Netflix
Training Day might not seem like a great fit among Shakespeare dramas, but it's a perfect choice to jump back on the Denzel Washington train and get excited about his upcoming role as Lord Macbeth. This hit crime drama follows a rookie cop and a reckless, veteran detective.
Ethan Hawke and Denzel Washington have outstanding chemistry in the form of hate and opposing values, and this Oscar-winning movie shows Washington in a role that's fierce and bold - a riveting watch before he takes on the classic role of Lord Macbeth.
The Merchant Of Venice (2004): Available On HBO
Any Shakespeare adaptation would probably be better with Al Pacino. Taking place in 16th Century Venice, there's greed, romance, revenge, and friendship - and a merchant takes a deal to return his debts, or instead owe his moneylender a pound of flesh.
The Merchant of Venice holds back no punches, and Michael Radford's adaptation is thrilling and infatuating. There's enough drama and romance and conflict to satiate any fan of the Coen brothers, and Pacino is just the cherry on top.
No Country For Old Men (2007): Available On Amazon Video
For another dive into Ethan and Joel Coen's work, No Country for Old Men is undeniably one of their most intense and brilliant flicks. A hunter (Josh Brolin) stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and a suitcase full of cash. However, he's being tailed by a relentless and violent killer (Javier Bardem) and a detective (Woody Harrelson).
There's a lot of greed and ambition in this flick, followed by violence, mayhem, and chaos. Through just desserts and fate itself, there's a stunning theme in this flick that will set fans up perfectly for The Tragedy of Macbeth - and get them loving the brilliance of the Coen brothers.
Macbeth (2015): Available On Amazon Video
It goes without saying that fans will likely be binging other adaptations of this specific play, and the 2015 film version of Macbeth is a good place to start. With Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, it's hard to pass up.
This adaptation is very closely aligned with the actual play, so it's a great place to start for those who need a refresher of the actual tragedy of Macbeth. Plus, this adaptation is a war epic that's impossible not to entertain and excite.
Lady Macbeth (2017): Available On Hulu
Florence Pugh is making huge waves in Hollywood in the past few years, and she can largely thank her chilling performance as the lead in Lady Macbeth for it, selling the audience on her cunning wits and trapped romance.
This adaptation takes a bit of a sidestep from the traditional story, and follows Lady Macbeth as a young bride who is sold into marriage but can't put a halt on her own ambitions for success and love of her own. For a different and unique take on this classic play, this 2017 hidden gem is a stunning starting point.
The King (2019): Available On Netflix
This Netflix Original is the newest of this batch of films, and might be the perfect war epic about royalty before this 2021 flick hits the big screen. Starring Timothée Chalamet as the young Hal, this movie follows his rise to being crowned King Henry V and his first battle.
With politics, greed, revenge, family, and leadership - there are enough riveting moments and interesting character development to get on board with this film. The King is a riveting watch to prepare for the war and ambitions of Lord and Lady Macbeth.