With the makers of the film knowing that this story is used in nearly every schools curriculum in the UK, it is definitely not an easy task too make a version that will appeal to a 21st century audience.
The world of Shakespeare is also a tricky thing to promote to a mainstream audience, especially when the makers decide to keep to the source material and use the Shakespearean language that has set the foundations for story-telling that is still evident now.
Even the most educated person still finds it hard to piece all together every bit of Shakespeare's plays. But it is the fragments in each play that people never forget that makes his plays so intriguing.
With Macbeth, we have a story full of ambition, murder and rage that these days would make a great psychological period drama.
What director Justin Kurzel has put onto screen is definitely one that does not hold back on the brutality of the play. From a powerful opening scene to intense character developments that ends with a picturesque final act that every shot looks like a painting.
The atmosphere is definitely visceral and the pacing gives you time to work things out for yourself if you are struggling with the dialogue, which I can see being quite common in cinema screens around the country.
The beautiful scenic landscape of Scotland (filmed in Skye) is used to its fullest. There were also moments during the film of the use of a bright choice of palette which felt quite striking.
What also was captivating was the use of slow-motion that almost reminded of Zack Snyder's 300. However, I think Kurzel over-used it slightly.
Also, haunting soundtrack seemed appropriate for every scene and never looked out of place. It's eerie sound kept me fixed throughout as this savage tragedy was unfolding.
I'm afraid the one main negative is a big one. The Shakespearean language will put off a lot of the mainstream audience. But as most people should know the story already from school, then you can look beyond that and admire the performances, visuals, cinematography and the haunting soundtrack.
As for the performances, they are so strong and you can see the dedication everyone is putting in to make this film the best it could be.
Michael Fassbender showed real intensity and realism in the Macbeth that I remember. I have been a big fan of Fassbender for quite some right and that performance could get him mentioned during the awards season.
Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth was equally impressive. Despite her performance, she seemed somewhat side-lined that in previous versions. I remember reading that people were not sure about this choice of casting. But I had seen of Cotillard's previous work for that important role to be in capable hands. Her character's development gave me another side of Lady Macbeth that really enjoyed seeing.
Adding to that, Sean Harris was by far the best of the supporting roles. His vengeful performance of Macduff gave the character real intensity.
Despite a lot of positives, my overall feeling is that it is nowhere near as psychologic as I remembered the story being. I was not gripped for most of it as like I said the dialogue is really off-putting.
I do admire the choice of using the Shakespearean language. But I think this will down-grade many peoples rating for this feature. Thankfully if you look beyond that, then there is a lot to like.
Kurzel's direction is highly visual and wonderfully pleasing to the eye. It is always great to see something like this on the big screen and gives people the chance to witness something that is usually classified as 'high-brow' material.
But sadly, I can see this being more of a critics film then a hit with the casual cinema-goers.
Rating: 7/10
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