Review of The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) by Jmoraandrad1 — 04 Feb 2022

The 2021 adaptation of Macbeth starring Denzel Washington translated the original play into a beautiful film using eerie lighting and dramatic sound effects. The most drastic editing decision, in my opinion, is the over-exposure of the backgrounds.

It gives the actors more space to show plots through expressions rather than giving more attention to the scenery. This also calls more attention to the original Shakespeare writing which is very important to keep the original story.

More specific details have an advantage in scenes like Macbeth's murder. The lack of distracting background lets metaphors shine, like Macbeth reaching for his crown before dying. Due to the muted background, this adaptation gives the feeling of a simplistic play, making this adaptation of Macbeth unlike any other.

I think that it made watching a film adaptation more unique and gave a new perspective to films based on plays. Sound effects also made a big change in the way you perceive the scenes. Simplistic sound effects decisions also had an impact on the way the movie felt; like you were watching Macbeth Shakespeare as a play.

In the scene after Macbeth kills Duncan, the ticks of the water droplets make a more intense feeling for the viewers. Less is shown as more, in this case, less dramatic big details and more little details bring the viewer the same feeling as reading Macbeth.

Overall, I give the film an A- rating because although the same eerie feeling you get while reading was captured in the movie, I think It could keep the same attention to detail by making the translation more understandable to people who haven’t yet read Macbeth.