"The Tragedy of Macbeth" (2021) Movie Review: A Stark and Visually Striking Reimagining of Shakespeare’s Classic

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021), directed by Joel Coen, is a striking and minimalist adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Known for its haunting imagery, its stark black-and-white cinematography, and its powerhouse performances, this version of Macbeth brings a new level of intensity and atmospheric tension to the Bard’s timeless tale of ambition, guilt, and moral decay. Coen’s decision to present this Shakespearean masterpiece in such a raw, stylized form adds a fresh, visually captivating layer to a story that has been told and retold for centuries.

Plot Overview

The Tragedy of Macbeth closely follows the original Shakespearean play. The story centers on Macbeth (Denzel Washington), a Scottish general who, after receiving a prophecy from three witches, becomes consumed with ambition. The witches predict that Macbeth will become the King of Scotland, and upon hearing this, Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand), plot the murder of King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson) to take the throne for themselves.

After the murder, Macbeth’s ambition spirals out of control. He becomes paranoid and obsessed with securing his power, leading to more bloodshed and the eventual destruction of his mental state. Lady Macbeth, too, is tormented by guilt and loses her grip on reality. As Macbeth’s descent into madness continues, he faces increasing resistance, ultimately leading to his downfall in a final, tragic confrontation.

The story is a timeless exploration of unchecked ambition, power, fate, and the psychological consequences of committing heinous acts. Joel Coen’s adaptation presents the play in a more intimate and visually bold way, with a heavy focus on mood, atmosphere, and internal conflict.

Themes of Ambition, Power, and Guilt

At its core, The Tragedy of Macbeth delves deeply into the destructive nature of ambition. Macbeth is a man who begins with a sense of honor and duty but becomes corrupted by the prospect of power. His wife, Lady Macbeth, is equally driven by her desire for status, pushing him further into the realm of murder and betrayal. Their shared ambition becomes an all-consuming force, turning them into a tragic duo who are ultimately undone by their own actions.

The film explores the fragility of power and the idea that it can be easily lost once it is obtained. Macbeth’s obsession with securing his throne leads him to commit more murders, creating a cycle of violence that brings him no peace. His paranoia and fear of losing power cloud his judgment and lead to his inevitable downfall. The exploration of guilt is also central to the film, as both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are plagued by their consciences after committing the murder of King Duncan. Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness, exemplified by her famous sleepwalking scene, symbolizes the psychological toll that guilt can take on an individual.

The theme of fate versus free will is another important aspect of the story. The witches’ prophecy is central to Macbeth’s actions—yet it is unclear whether he is simply following a predetermined path or whether he chooses to act based on his own desires. The play leaves open the question of whether Macbeth’s fate was sealed by the witches' prediction or whether his ambition led him to make choices that fulfilled the prophecy. This tension between destiny and self-determination adds depth to the tragedy.

Character Development and Performances

Denzel Washington delivers a commanding performance as Macbeth. Washington’s Macbeth is intense, yet vulnerable, capturing the character’s internal struggle between ambition and guilt. His portrayal of Macbeth’s gradual descent into madness is riveting, and he is able to convey the emotional complexity of the character, from his initial hesitation to his complete unraveling. Washington brings a deep gravitas to the role, making Macbeth’s fall from grace all the more tragic.

Frances McDormand’s portrayal of Lady Macbeth is equally powerful. McDormand brings a sharp, cold intensity to the character, especially in the early scenes when Lady Macbeth is pushing her husband to seize the throne. As Lady Macbeth’s guilt consumes her, McDormand delivers a heartbreaking portrayal of a woman who slowly disintegrates under the weight of her actions. Her performance is one of emotional depth and vulnerability, particularly during the iconic sleepwalking scene, which McDormand handles with great poignancy.

The supporting cast, including Brendan Gleeson as King Duncan, Kathryn Hunter as the three witches, and others, also deliver strong performances that add to the intensity of the film. Hunter’s portrayal of the witches, in particular, is striking, as she brings an eerie, almost otherworldly quality to the role, enhancing the film’s atmosphere and sense of foreboding.

Direction and Cinematography

Joel Coen’s direction brings a stark, minimalist approach to The Tragedy of Macbeth, stripping the play of many of the traditional elements often associated with Shakespearean adaptations. The decision to present the film in black and white adds an extra layer of mood and intensity, emphasizing the themes of darkness, light, and moral ambiguity. Coen’s choice to make the film visually spare enhances the psychological tension, with simple sets and deliberate staging that keep the focus squarely on the characters and their inner turmoil.

The cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel is stunning, with every frame carefully composed to evoke the bleak, oppressive atmosphere of the play. The use of shadows, light, and stark set designs all contribute to a visual experience that matches the intensity of the narrative. The film’s use of space—particularly in the wide shots—adds to the feeling of isolation and impending doom that permeates the story.

The sets are minimalist but effective, often consisting of empty, cavernous spaces that mirror the emptiness and moral decay that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth experience. This sparse, almost theatrical approach adds to the overall sense of claustrophobia and dread, with the characters’ emotional and moral decay becoming a central focus. The simplicity of the design also enhances the psychological drama, as the characters are not overwhelmed by elaborate visuals but rather by their own guilt and ambition.

Final Thoughts

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) is a haunting, visually striking reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Joel Coen’s direction, combined with exceptional performances from Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand, creates a deeply emotional and atmospheric exploration of ambition, guilt, and the destructive nature of power. The film’s minimalist aesthetic and black-and-white cinematography heighten its sense of moral and psychological darkness, creating a vision of Macbeth that is both timeless and fresh.

This adaptation stands out not only for its fidelity to the source material but also for its ability to reinterpret the tragedy in a way that emphasizes the emotional and psychological complexities of the characters. The Tragedy of Macbeth is a compelling film that speaks to the universal themes of ambition, guilt, and the consequences of unchecked desire, all while delivering an unforgettable cinematic experience.

For those who appreciate Shakespeare’s work and enjoy a thought-provoking, visually distinctive approach to storytelling, The Tragedy of Macbeth is a must-watch. It is a powerful and haunting portrayal of one of the greatest tragedies ever written, brought to life with brilliant artistry and emotional depth.