Joel Coen’s first solo film is an adaptation of Macbeth starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. We wonder why and discuss what makes for a good Macbeth adaptation.
This episode features Editor-in-Chief Alex Heeney, Executive Editor Orla Smith, Associated Editor Brett Pardy and Editor-at-Large Mary Angela Rowe
The Tragedy of Macbeth (Joel Coen, 2021)
Macbeth (Denzel Washington), a Scottish Lord and his wife, Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand) have ambitions to take the Scottish throne. Acting on a prophecy from three witches (all played by Kathryn Hunter) and spurred on by his wife, Macbeth murders the rightful King of Scotland (Brendan Gleeson) and usurps the throne from the king’s son, Malcolm (Harry Melling) who flees. Once they rule, however, Macbeth turns his mind to the witches’ other prophecy, that his friend Banquo’s (Bertie Carvel) son Fleance (Lucas Barker), will eventually sit on the throne. As his wife goes mad with fear and guilt, Macbeth descends into a spiral of murder.
The Tragedy of Macbeth is streaming on Apple+
On this episode:
- Intro and related episodes (0:56)
- Macbeth synopsis (2:53)
- Frances McDormand’s prior Lady Macbeth performance (4:19)
- Alex’s six criteria for a good Macbeth (8:00)
- The film’s Macbeth and Lady Macbeth relationship (17:51)
- The production style (25:36)
- Denzel Washington’s performance (29:38)
- Kathryn Hunter’s Witches (31:11)
- Shakespeare Retold (34:20)
- Ross (37:26)
- Banquo (45:41)
- The lack of taking advantage of film form (47:56)
- How does this relate to other Coen films? (51:00)
- Is anything new about this take? (53:09)
- Conclusion and other Macbeths (1:01:53)
Show Notes
- Read Alex’s 2015 review of Justin Kurzel’s Macbeth
- Listen to the 21st Folio episode discussing Kurzel’s Macbeth
- Sign up for updates on the first book to ever be published on the films of Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier
Related Episodes
- Bonus 17: Saoirse Ronan and James McArdle in The Tragedy of Macbeth at the Almeida Theatre
- Ep. 108: The Deep Blue Sea(s)
