Jan 14, 2022
The Tragedy of Macbeth on Apple TV+ — Thou ‘re Awesome
I am usually the kind of guy who enjoys movies that are humorous or filled with spectacle or craziness. I am getting older, so, my movie tastes are changing. Rather, my movie tongue is adding more flavors to the table, while retaining existing tastes.
I still think Transformers Dark Of The Moon, Pacific Rim and Independence Day are the greatest movies ever made. I am now beginning to think, I like these super serious movies too.
In preparation for this movie, I read the play online. I also watched another adaption of Macbeth. You can read about my thoughts on that one here.
American Accent— Thank You
As with any other Macbeth and stage play adaptation, here also, we get dialogues lifted straight from Shakespeare’s play. The 2015 edition was filled with English actors. The English have a distinct way of speaking English. I, however, am used to the Hollywood American way of speaking English.
So, I found it hard to follow the 2015 adaptation, relying on subtitles. This time, majority of the cast is American, and I found myself less reliant on subtitles. It makes this version far more enjoyable. It’s still old school, 1600s English. But, it felt more clear.
No Action Scenes. Only Fine Acting
For some odd reason, I have a special pocket of love and admiration for Noir. Like those stories of Raymond Chandler. The Sin City Movies. Blade Runner. The Matrix.
In the 2015 adaptation, I was surprised with the ‘real world’ sequences. The movie opens with an action filled battle scene. Lot of sword fights and spectacle happens in the woods, and the climatic battle is intense. There are more people, grander and not minimal.
Here, there is absolutely none of that.
This time, we are looking at something like 300, the entire movie shot in front of green screen. It’s fitting because, this is a stage play. It makes sense that the movie resembles an actual stage play, accommodating the limitations of a limited space available on the stage. It’s not a complaint though.
I like it this way.
Of course, the acting here is on another level. If you have seen Training Day, then, you know Denzel Washington will be incredible in this one. He rarely plays bad guys, so, it’s nice to see him channeling some bad guy emotions here. Then again, is Macbeth a total bad guy? Or a curious case of tempting fate, falling head first into desires and paying the price for the same?
There are so many ways of looking at this character.
I am also happy that, this time, Lady Macbeth of Frances McDormand is far better than she was in the 2015 adaptation. We spend more time with her. Watching her actions unfold, her husband going mad with grief. There is also the infamous candle holding sleeping walking sequence.
Both of these characters had such a good life. To lose it all because of some prophecy. It is a true tragedy.
Sprightly Energy
I have not seen many of Coen movies. I have seen the first season of Fargo TV series. Hail Ceaser. A couple of stories from the Ballad of Buster Scruggs. A lot of times, I cannot tell if something is supposed to be tragic or funny. I get this feel that there is a sense of self-awareness about every scene in Coen movies.
There is always this bizarre high energy to almost every scene. The sad scenes and most definitely the fast paced scenes. Quiet often, a serious and funny expression is happening at the same thing. I cannot tell if this changes the viewing experience.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the proceedings.
Then, there is the minimalism. I was pleasantly surprised with the minimal sets, actors and everything. Even the cast is very small. It’s effective though. Less is More sort of deal. It’s almost an hour and 45 minutes, but, everything moves so fast. I mean, the play is a fast story by default. That pace is retained here.
Final Note
This is my second Macbeth experience this month. The 2015 one and this one. In both cases, I enjoyed the experience. I am also beginning to love these Shakespeare stories.
The 2015 version was more actiony and youthful. This one is more talky and elderly. I like them both.
In an odd way, I am happy that, after a long gap, We finally have a good offering from Apple TV+. They have been putting out some bad content lately.
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