Review of Macbeth (2015) by Chris P — 11 Dec 2015

Welcome to Scotland, 16th century. Local forecast call for partial clouds, pretty much threatening I'd say. Visibility is once again hampered by fog and wouldn't suggest a walk nearby Dunkan's (David Thewlis) palace. His General (Michael Fassbender) curses and murders everything, that gets on his way and seems capable of blocking the prophecy of his destiny. He and his Lady (Marion Cotillard) ignore the exit-polls and succeed, where others have failed. In order to secure the election victory for the crown, they kill and stab and decapitate. Thirsty for power, glories and blood, the diabolical pair is about to experience a king-sized fall.

The thing that impresses you the most, in this Shakespearian cover, is how effectively, does the use of authentic language, work. I really think that it makes the words, sound still more worrying and barbarian, than they are. Mad Fassbender and First Lady Cotillard are exceptional in their roles and couldn't be more excited to see them work again with this director (the trio is expected to return next year, for the Assassin's Creed adaptation).

Justin Kurzel has done an impressive job here. He slows down the bloody Braveheart action and boldly devotes his movie to the tragedies. Don't misunderstand me. His Macbeth is still harsh and graphic. But is also as fragile, as sexy and as emotional as it should be.