Simon Taylor is an aspiring writer and director with a love for drama, fiction, scripts and news.
MACBETH was first written around the 1600s, and given the immeasurable number of performances and actors who have played the title role since; there is very little worry of spoilers. It is a testament to William Shakespeare and his original work they are remaking it in 2015. A renowned dark story: fearless warrior and leader Macbeth undone by his all-consuming ambition and desire; prophesied by witches to become King Of Scotland; conspiring with his wife to kill the King and take the throne, his obsession in keeping the throne driving him to more murder and his own death.
With the fame and darkness of SNOWTOWN under his belt from 2011, Aussie director Justin Kurzel delivers a dark, brooding and brutal take on the legend. Close attention to the historic period of an eleventh-century war-torn Scotland creates one of the most authentic-feeling versions to date. This story has been produced in a hugely cinematic, poetic and intimate way, like a grand opera. With dialogue carefully selected from the original play and interwoven with powerful, haunting visuals, the film sticks long after viewing. Michael Fassbender as Macbeth and Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth deliver powerful performances. You can’t help but be drawn into their characters and empathise with them; even in their darkest moments.
With the glory of True Detective in his wake, Adam Arkapaw expertly lenses the cinematography. And then there’s the score: Jed Kurzel is definitely a composer to keep an eye on, where his work alone is worth the price of admission. This is not a mindless action romp with spectacles, muscles, romance and zany one-liners. This is a dark, moody, thought-provoking visual feast with killer performances, and so dark, bloody and brutal, a stiff drink and shower afterward just might be necessary.
