Review of Macbeth (2015) by Mike K — 16 Mar 2016

This film is actually perfect in some areas. The visuals are among the best captured that I have seen, shot on location in the mountainous, foggy, windy, grassy ranges of Scotland & England. The makeup and costumes were dark, but felt genuine.

The soundtrack was powerful as violins simultaneously complimented the landscapes/time period, as well as the powerful emotions surrounding Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Fassbender, Cotillard, & Sean Harris give powerful performances, as do supporting cast members Considine, Thewlis, & Reynor.

The language is difficult as one who has not read a lick of Shakespeare since high school would imagine. Especially when characters are face to face it is easy to miss lines with their decreased volume.

The passionate scenes were clear no matter your Shakespearean diction because the acting was so good. Overall the events are quite personal and the whole plot of Macbeth is probably best suited for the stage.

That being said with top shelf acting, unrivaled cinematography, a moving soundtrack, and convincing costume & set design this film is required viewing for movie and Shakespeare connoisseurs.