Cate Crafter

Justin Kurzel’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Scottish saga is a wonder to behold and is perhaps the most beautifully shot film that this year has seen. It was no surprise that the film was a contender for the Palm d’Or at this year’s Cannes film festival, however, the surprise for me was that it didn’t win (but then again I haven’t seen the films it was up against).

Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard are perfection as the twisted treacherous couple, their performances are so visceral and poetic it is a pleasure to see their story unfold even though it is common knowledge as to what happens in the play. Macbeth’s ephemeral reign is doomed due to the nature of how he succeeded to the throne, and it is during this segment of the film that Fassbender shines where he teeters on the edge of full-blown madness and desperation that turns him into a tyrannical maniac. Also, Cotillard expertly navigates the conflicted Lady Macbeth who begins the film urging her husband to commit murder and supports him fully in their transition to royalty until she too is consumed by guilt and fear as her husband slowly becomes more demented.

The wild Scottish landscape is so beautifully moody it becomes a character itself which coupled with the sublime score by Jed Kurzel elevates this adaptation of Macbeth to the level of grandiose that Shakespeare’s tragedy deserves. The battle scenes that both open and close the film stood out with transcendent cinematography courtesy of Adam Arkapaw, they were whimsically savage and utterly awe-inspiring. Interestingly the final battle between Macbeth and MacDuff had a twist from the play, instead of the army carrying shields made form Birnam Wood a colossal fire lighted by Macduff brings the ashes of the prophetic trees to Dunsinane Castle which then, in turn, brings a beautiful orange glow to the battle with flecks of smouldering ashes floating stunningly through the air as the men battle to death. In other words, this moment was pure genius while looking gorgeous the fiery battle also reflects Macduff’s line ‘Turn Hell-Hound turn’ as a fitting reflection of the nature of Macbeth’s demonic actions and that he thus must descend to hell for his crimes in this predestined end.

To me, this film was nothing short of exceptional therefore I urge lovers of film and any fellow Shakespeare nuts to see this gem on the big screen as it is not just a film but a piece of exquisite art.

Overall I give this Film: An Infinite amount of stars.