Review of Macbeth (2015) by Ruth-Ellen H — 18 Jun 2016

'Macbeth' is one of the major Shakespeare works to never cross my path before. I never had to read the play in any level of schooling that I attended nor have I ever gotten around to either seeing it performed live or one of its previous cinematic adaptations. So in watching Justin Kurzel's new film adaptation I am truly coming at the material fresh and I think the thing that most astounded me was how quickly everything moves along. Having not read the source material I can only assume massive cuts were made from Shakespeare's original text and it feels noticeable.

I am by no means suggesting that this film needed to be over three hours long but this almost felt like it could have been the Cliffs Notes version of the play merely bouncing along to the main points and big scenes. The story line presented is powerful but it somehow feels slight for the potency of things being depicted.

All of that being said, the production is absolutely first rate. The art direction, cinematography, and costumes are all absolutely stunning eye candy with powerful performances from all involved to go along with the strong visuals.

If anything, I am now interested enough to check out other versions of the play on film to see if indeed my instincts are right or if, maybe this is one Shakespeare tragedy that just kept things brief. I suspect we all know which option will win out.