Director: Justin Kurzel
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard and Elizabeth Debicki
‘A Magnificent Masterpiece’
Not many actresses in Hollywood have built a legacy as strong as Elizabeth Debicki. Since her rise to recognition in the 1990’s, Debicki has made memorable movies. Whether it be prejudiced lovers, spies facing dangers or bold leaders. Debicki has played many compelling characters. Arguably, Debicki’s strength as an actress has often been her strong commitment to her craft. Debicki has always had an ability to steal the show in support roles with limited screen-time. Through her abilities to construct characters which are compelling, Debicki has built a legacy that’s lasting. An actress which has a strong commitment to her craft, Debicki has become a beloved icon in entertainment. A British icon, Debicki has become an actress thar audiences cherish. Throughout her career, Debicki has made many memorable films that are worth talking about.
I’m a big fan of Debicki and adore all the films which she has created in her career. However, “Macbeth” is definitely my favourite. Since its release in 2015, Justin Kurzel’s film has stood test of time as a Shakespeare classic. Packed with breathtaking production, bold storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the finest Shakespeare adaptations ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Elizabeth Debicki, who portrays a queen in the states of intense anxiety. Ultimately, what makes “Macbeth” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most Shakespeare adaptations, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about guilt which would resonate with everyone. A riveting masterpiece about a guilty king, there’s many strong reasons why “Macbeth” is a movie that is worth seeing.
Based on the celebrated Shakespearean play, “Macbeth” tells a story of a majestic king that faces a price to pay. Michael Fassbender plays Macbeth, an ambitious war general sharing a strong bond with his kingdom. Macbeth holds immense respect for the king Duncan whom he has often regarded with admiration. However, Macbeth’s life changes when he commits grim murder. Under the control of his bold wife Lady Macbeth (Marion Cotillard), Macbeth commits gruesome murders of the king in an attempt to seize power. Lady Macbeth is a menacing wife that drives Macbeth to the brink of insanity. As the news of the murder seizes the attention of Lady Macduff (Elizabeth Debicki), Macbeth is put in a frightening situation which causes him intense anxiety. Feeling guilty for his actions, Macbeth begins to question whether it’s truly possible for him to gain control over kingdoms facing tensions.
Justin Kurzel is a newcomer towards the plays of Shakespeare. Before he directed “Macbeth”, Kurzel had never produced a Shakespearean adaptation before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to celebrate the legacy of a legendary Shakespeare play but he succeeds immensely. Through captivating cinematography, Kurzel captures a couple embarking on a journey to gain over control over a kingdom experiencing tragedies. Evoking Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator”, Kurzel uses low-key lighting to capture tension that kings are facing. For instance, the low-key lighting elevates the middle plan scene. During this haunting scene, Macbeth is issued orders by Lady Macbeth to kill King Duncan. Through low-key lighting, Kurzel celebrates a legendary play about kings that are frightening. Low-key lighting is a tricky technique to use in movies. As David Fincher’s “Se7en” claimed, low-key lighting elevates terrifying serial killer thrillers. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, Kurzel captures tensions that kings experiencing murders are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Macbeth” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it is the most impressive Shakespeare adaptation you will ever watch. Kurzel successfully use costumes to capture tensions kings committing murders are facing. Throughout the movie, Kurzel uses costumes to capture Macbeth’s transformation from a meek army general to an authoritative king. For instance, costumes elevate the election scene. During this haunting sene, Macbeth is chosen as the monarch of his kingdom facing tension. Through stunning costumes, Kurzel captures hardships that commemorated kings often go through. Moreover, the music score is superb. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere. Through powerful production design, Kurzeǔl conveys commemorated kings that experience a decline.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Macbeth” is a Shakespearean adaptation which is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and expertly dramatic monologues to capture tensions that kings are experiencing. Throughout the movie, Kurzel uses dramatic monologues to capture the journey of a king fighting adversity. For instance, the dramatic monologues enhance the guilt scene. During this haunting scene, Macbeth is affected by feelings of guilt after he has committed grim murders causing tensions. One appreciates dramatic monologues capturing the tensions kings are facing. Using dramatic monologues, Kurzel creates a Shakespeare adaptation that audiences can relate to. Monologues are often complex techniques to use in movies. As Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” suggested, monologues enhance adaptations of books about millionaires. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through a strong screenplay, the filmmaker honours an iconic Shakespearean play.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Elizabeth Debicki delivers one of her greatest performances as Lady Macduff. Debicki first achieved appreciations for portraying likeable women in British dramas. With “Macbeth”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a woman seeking control over a doomed kingdom facing catastrophe but she succeeded tremendously. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her in the past before: intense, charismatic and strong in her most iconic role. With strong expressions, she captures the angst, grief and depression of a queen seeking control over a Kingdom. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the best actresses working today.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Elizabeth Debicki, the supporting cast is also worthy of recognition Michael Fassbender is magnificent, capturing charismatic nature of army generals driven to commit murders that cause disaster. Marion Cotillard is captivating, bringing compassion to a queen that abuses her position of power to achieve control over kingdoms facing tension. Finally, David Thewlis merits appreciation. As a majestic king, he brings an air of authority to the movie.
Finally, “Macbeth” will earn the appreciation of everyone for honouring an iconic Shakespeare play. Unlike most Shakespeare movies, the film tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including grief, murder and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar work Shakespeare’s language to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about guilt that would resonate with everyone. Consequently, “Macbeth” is one of those rare Shakespearean films everyone would adore.
A spectacular adaptation of a celebrated play written by Shakespeare about kings facing a heavy burden to bear, it’s a sensational reminder of a commemorated actress that has built a successful career through her abilities to portray compelling characters in countless unforgettable movies about which audiences deeply care.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 