Dec. 05, 2021|United States|105 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Mystery;Reality;War;Western
Description: “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” released in 2021, is an American historical thriller directed by Joel Coen. This marks Coen’s first solo project without his brother. Based on William Shakespeare’s iconic play, the film features a star-studded cast, including Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand (who also produced the film), Bertie Carvel, Alex Hassell, Corey Hawkins, Harry Melling, Kathryn Hunter, and Brendan Gleeson. It premiered at the 2021 New York Film Festival on September 24, 2021, and saw a limited theatrical release on December 25, 2021, by A24. The film became available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting January 14, 2022. Critics praised its direction, cinematography, and standout performances, particularly by Washington, McDormand, and Hunter.
The story follows Macbeth and Banquo, military leaders who secure a victory for King Duncan against the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. On the battlefield, they encounter three witches who prophesy Macbeth’s rise to power, proclaiming he will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the King of Scotland. They also predict that Banquo’s descendants will rule. King Duncan orders the execution of the traitorous Cawdor and bestows the title upon Macbeth. However, when Duncan names his son Malcolm as heir, Macbeth sees this as an obstacle to his ambitions. He shares the prophecies with his wife, Lady Macbeth.
When King Duncan visits Macbeth’s castle, Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to assassinate the king to seize the throne. She drugs Duncan’s guards, and Macbeth reluctantly carries out the murder. The next morning, Macduff, the Thane of Fife, discovers the king’s body. Macbeth kills the guards to cover his tracks. Fearing for his life, Duncan’s son Malcolm flees to England, leaving Macbeth to claim the throne. Haunted by the prophecy about Banquo, Macbeth orchestrates the murder of Banquo and his son Fleance. While Banquo is killed, Fleance escapes, pursued by Ross, one of Macbeth’s accomplices.”
Cast director: Joel Coen
Cast actor: Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Alex Hassell, Bertie Carvel, Brendan Gleeson, Corey Hawkins, Harry Melling, Miles Anderson, Matt Helm, Moses Ingram
Original name: The Tragedy of Macbeth