For decades, Joel and Ethan Coen have worked in tandem as one of the industry's most unique directing duos, crafting everything from beloved cult favorites to acclaimed Oscar-winning dramas. The two are so linked it's odd to consider one without the other, which is what makes The Tragedy of Macbeth so fascinating. Joel is the sole director and the film was made without Ethan's involvement in some capacity. That, combined with a talented ensemble cast led by Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand, made The Tragedy of Macbeth an interesting release this awards season. Fortunately, it mostly lives up to its on-paper potential. The Tragedy of Macbeth is a visually stunning and faithful Shakespearean adaptation fueled by captivating performances from its stars.
The Tragedy of Macbeth features Washington as the titular character, a lord who receives a prophecy from three witches claiming he will one day be king. Driven by his own desires and sparked to action by his wife Lady Macbeth (McDormand), Macbeth plots to murder King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson) so that he can take the throne. Consumed by his own paranoia and a lust for power, Macbeth's scheming could ultimately prove to be his downfall.
The screenplay, written by Coen, doesn't look to update Shakespeare's prose for modern audiences, instead staying true to the playwright's classic language. This means The Tragedy of Macbeth may not be fully accessible to all viewers (or even all Coen brothers fans), which could impact how much mileage audiences get out of it. While it can be compelling to see great actors like Washington and McDormand put their spin on famous Shakespeare monologues, it does feel at times that sticking so closely to the source material sapped Coen of his individual voice as a writer. Adaptations can be a tricky balance to pull off, but the Coens have drawn from outside sources multiple times in the past to greater effect. The Tragedy of Macbeth seems to be missing an extra dose of panache in the writing, as the Coen brothers have always been renowned for their distinct dialogue.
Even if The Tragedy of Macbeth is missing one half of a talented directorial team, it proves Joel Coen is a strong solo craftsman. The filmmaking on display, bolstered by Bruno Delbonnel's beautiful black-and-white cinematography, Stefan Dechant's production design, and period-accurate costumes, takes viewers back to another time and place. If it wasn't for the presence of contemporary actors, The Tragedy of Macbeth could easily pass for something made in a different era. The retro 4:3 aspect ratio further complements this approach and adds to its authenticity as a classic Shakespeare adaptation. It's a striking film in terms of the visuals, which ensures viewers will still be able to follow the beats of the story over the course of a brisk sub-two hour runtime.
Unsurprisingly, The Tragedy of Macbeth is an acting showcase - particularly for Washington. He handles Macbeth's arc with a characteristically engrossing performance that conveys inner conflict, ambition, and a destructive lust for power that is on display in every scene. He commands the audience's attention whenever he's onscreen. McDormand is also excellent as Lady Macbeth, going through her own tragic journey, which is just as captivating to watch as Washington's. What's impressive about the overall ensemble is nobody seems out of place in a traditional Shakespeare adaptation. Everyone in the supporting cast (especially Kathryn Hunter as the eerie witch) slides into their roles and fits into the world Coen has created, meaning audiences onboard for The Tragedy of Macbeth's approach should never get taken out of the film. The performances of the actors help the movie become more immersive.
The Tragedy of Macbeth is an intriguing beast to come out this holiday season. The Coen brothers were never known for box office prowess, but this could be even more niche than some of their other films. While The Tragedy of Macbeth is receiving a limited theatrical release, it's also set to stream on Apple TV+, which seems like a strong home for it. It's the kind of project that has a better chance of catching on with viewers at home than making a splash in theaters (particularly in this climate). For the visuals alone, die-hard Shakespeare aficionados and Coen fans could be inclined to seek out showings on the big screen if they feel safe, but anyone else interested can wait for streaming. And, while this is a well-made and well-acted film, it lacks the crossover appeal of Coen's previous works.
The Tragedy of Macbeth opens in limited release in U.S. theaters on December 25 and will start streaming on Apple TV+ on January 14, 2022. It runs 105 minutes and is rated R for violence.
