The Tragedy of Macbeth

I've decided to add to my expenses an Apple TV+ subscription. I get the first three months free, so let's start right away with The Tragedy of Macbeth, in which Joel Coen, and not with Ethan, conjures up perhaps the spookiest rendition of Shakespeare's play. 

Macbeth (Denzel Washington) has just led the armies of Scotland to victory against the evil Thane of Cawdor. He and his pal Banquo (Bertie Carvel) meet three Witches (all Kathryn Hunter) who tell them some prophecies. Namely that Macbeth will be king, while Banquo's heirs will be kings. When good King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson) pays Macbeth a visit, Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand) tells him to make true the prophecy ...with regicide.

Macbeth is now King of Scotland and not a nice one. He decides to kill off anyone that'll get in his way. Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth becomes a guilt-ridden, sleepwalking mess. A few of the Witches' unlikely prophecies are about to come true ...

Subtle mood, thy won't find it here. The black-and-white cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel and production design by Stefan Dechant that would fit right with Nosferatu tell you what kind of film this is. Before all that, we hear the Witches' unnerving voices over a black screen with one word: When. That's when we also hear the first of Carter Burwell's haunting score, which is on this year's Oscar shortlist. The sound designers also amp up a few sound effects, like dripping water, to unsettling loudness.

Let's discuss everyone but Macbeth first. A highlight of the supporting cast is Hunter, whose three Witches act like they're really one. They even sound the same. Hunter's experience as a contortionist is used to great effect here. Stephen Root steals his one scene as the Porter of Castle Macbeth. Ross (Alex Hassell) seems the most uncertain with his lines, though his mannerisms were perfectly conniving. The two men who join Ross in killing Banquo (Scott Subiono and Brian Thompson) are surprisingly entertaining. Macduff (Corey Hawkins) has his best moments when Macbeth's slaughter of his household provokes his rage. 

Denzel Washington as Macbeth adds to his resume of charismatic villains. He's reluctant at first to speed up the line of succession, but when he does, it's a nightmarish sight. His paranoia frequently explodes in unsettling rage. His voice is fresh out of emotion once he realizes he's done. His Lady, meanwhile, is a vicious schemer, though her semi-heel face turn is a bit quick. That doesn't detract from her shouts of "Out! Damned Spot!"

The Tragedy of Macbeth seems shorter than its 105 minutes. It's not just because Coen trimmed down the text. That's true, but I also read the play before and saw Roman Polanski's version in High School. The text and production values result in an unforgettable claustrophobic thriller. I saw this on my phone but that was no detriment to its presentation. You might get to see it in theaters if you're lucky. At least Apple TV+ is not as expensive as a few other streamers...