3/31/2023 0 Comments The tragedy of macbethIt appears to be a direct homage to Orson Welles’ 1948 film adaptation. Though the Coen brothers have made dramatic films before - including Miller’s Crossing, The Man Who Wasn’t There, and the Academy-Award winning No Country for Old Men - there is something noticeably more classical about the drama in this film. The result is a significant, structural, and tonal departure from his previous work. Most known for his creative collaboration with his younger brother Ethan, Coen made the controversial choice to helm this film without him. The Tragedy of Macbeth is the solo effort of Coen, a subtle stylistic departure from his previous work. And if this is the case, why not lean into it? It’s worth asking if this film - which also stars Cory Hawkins as a Macduff - was cast partially in response to that. In recent years, there has been much conversation over the Coen brothers (and other white directors) not casting actors of color. Is this Macbeth a Black man who is trying to prove to his white wife - and himself - that he can rise to the stature of a white monarch? It seems that Coen - who, with the exception of The Ladykillers, tends to stay away from the topic of race - is unaware of these narrative possibilities. But the racial dynamic between the two adds another layer to it. Having the couple be older is an inspired choice, transforming the characters from youthful schemers to weary elders making their final grasps at greatness. When his wife Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand) urges him to seize the throne, it comes off more of a burden than a shining opportunity. Due to his age and visible exhaustion, it seems like Washington’s Macbeth would rather retire than vie for the Scottish throne. And yet, his motivations in the film feel murky. Washington is definitely up to the task, making a meal out of every scene. But his acting style has always been theatrical, and he’s an obvious choice for any role that requires the ability to monologue while still keeping the audience engaged. Washington hasn’t been in a Shakespeare film since 1993’s Much Ado About Nothing. With this in mind, what does it mean to have a Black Macbeth in 2021? An easy answer would be to provide space for a truly great actor to regain the dramatic spotlight with a large, theatrical project. The former gives a great actor the space to truly shine in a lead, while the latter acknowledges the present, real-life concerns of the modern Black man. Why now? Is it a response to the present moment, or does it stand separate from that as a pure dramatic exercise with no higher purpose? Films like the 1995 Othello starring Laurence Fishburne and 2001’s O starring Mekhi Phifer, are necessary cultural responses to a play notorious for being performed in Blackface. He’s also a Black man - the first to play the role in a major Hollywood film.īut what does this casting mean? Every new adaptation of an old story must be able, within the narrative, to answer the question of its existence. This time, Macbeth is an old man taking one last swing at glory. But there’s something notably different about Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth. There have been many film adaptations of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, starring powerful actors like Orson Welles, Toshiro Mifune and, more recently, Michael Fassbender. What follows is a story of murder, madness, and grief. Soon, Macbeth encounters the three weird sisters (all played by the brilliant Kathryn Hunter) who foretell his rise to power. He and his trusted friend Banquo (Bertie Carvel) have just returned home from war. Standing in the middle of a desolate landscape, we meet Macbeth ( Denzel Washington), a weary soldier in the twilight of his life. Screengrab via YouTube/A24 Despite lacking narrative intentionality, The Tragedy of Macbeth, has a number of stellar performances. Denzel Washington, who plays Macbeth, is definitely up to the task, making a meal out of every scene.
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