Macbeth

Weinstein Company, The | Release Date: December 4, 2015

7.2	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 183 Ratings

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AliceofXDec 15, 2015

Well it was certainly very artistic and certain parts were just gorgeous. However there is not much more to recommend Macbeth. The worst part to me was how the dialogue was spoken, or not spoken since it was mostly whispers and mumbles. JustWell it was certainly very artistic and certain parts were just gorgeous. However there is not much more to recommend Macbeth. The worst part to me was how the dialogue was spoken, or not spoken since it was mostly whispers and mumbles. Just mumbles and mumbles. Shakespeare's prose just begs to be enjoyed but here I couldn't understand what they were saying half the time.

Also they seemed to have no idea what to do with the talking parts and just tried to invent weird action scenes to go with them that felt out of place. Too theatrical is how I would describe this film. It tries to be realistic and set in historical times, but it just makes the theatrical stick out more in awkward ways.

Performance wise there is nothing to complain about as everyone did a great job. Overall there are sparks of brilliance here but I just get the feeling that the makers gave up before reaching the goal and the final product is hence mediocre.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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oDjentoDec 4, 2015

Macbeth is a visually stunning film with all kinds of glamour, yet is still a rather morose watch. The imagery and cinematography is incredible, especially the final fight scene with an unrecognisable Scotland, almost looking like somethingMacbeth is a visually stunning film with all kinds of glamour, yet is still a rather morose watch. The imagery and cinematography is incredible, especially the final fight scene with an unrecognisable Scotland, almost looking like something out of a sci-fi movie. The acting is incredible, both Fassbender and Cotillard showing incredible performances. Sean Harris comes across trying a bit too hard, with more guttural sounds coming from him than intelligible dialogue.
The film in very, very short is a visual masterpiece, with excelled performances. Dialogue is tough but well delivered with gravitas from characters. Sadly, the morose feel of the film can leave you sitting agitated during the viewing. Fight scenes are more works of art in this film, as this film is a moving piece of art work.
Worth the watch, but be prepared to understand about 40% of dialogue on the first viewing if you are not familiar with the play or style of writing.
6.2/10… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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foxgroveDec 4, 2015

There’s nothing wrong with Macbeth that losing the Shakespeare wouldn’t put right. Whilst I appreciate that there are many who hold the Bard in reverential esteem, I personally am unable to include the acclaimed playwright’s medieval proseThere’s nothing wrong with Macbeth that losing the Shakespeare wouldn’t put right. Whilst I appreciate that there are many who hold the Bard in reverential esteem, I personally am unable to include the acclaimed playwright’s medieval prose amongst my cultural delights. I think it’s fair to say that line for line a clear understanding of his work and specifically what is actually being said here, is questionable to say the least. If a modern film had its script spoken in such a flowery and oblique manner it would be accused of pretentiousness. Sure, one gets the gist of what’s going on, but from interpretation and study, not from this as a stand-alone movie. Clarity is never a strength with Shakespeare and this version doesn’t escape the inherent problem. Polanski’s 1971 take wasn’t great either, but it was simpler and overall more digestible as a film.
The writing aside, however, this Macbeth does have much to commend it including a raw vitality which is present in all other aspects of the production. The direction and editing are stridently confident and the film benefits enormously from the casting of its two leads. Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard must be counted amongst the best actors to appear on screen in the last 10 years. Fassbender, in particular, commands attention and it is to his credit that one watches him intensely even though the dialogue he is spouting leaves one cold. His scenes with Cotillard are mesmerising, even if her Lady Macbeth is otherwise sketchily interpreted.
Production design and costumes are also just right, as is the cinematography which is the true star. The end battle scenes are just gorgeous to behold. I don’t mean to declare war on Shakespeare as his stories are basically sound. It’s just a shame about the way he told them. Unfortunately, it is in the particular style of the telling where this potentially good film struggles, unsuccessfully, to get out.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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