Macbeth [Blu-ray]

There's much in this film to enjoy. It is beautifully shot, presented in varying palettes of colour that by the end are a fitting fiery, bloody red. The rolling landscapes are breathtaking and the costume/architectural design is pretty faithful to 10th century Scotland (note the lack of kilts, Mr Gibson). Each performance is excellent, particularly Fassbender's jangly, embattled Macbeth - with a very good accent - and Marion Cotillard's pleasingly human Lady Macbeth, made mad by bereavement and her empty womb as much as swivel-eyed ambition.There is an unnerving hum to this film from the start to the end that is reminiscent of Kubrick's Shining. As with that film, the character 'arcs' are rather less pronounced than in the source material. Macbeth and his wife are palpably strange from the get-go, making their 'descent' into madness more of a 'bedding-in'. And if that makes you uncomfortable, then this film isn't for you, because there's *plenty* more departure from Shakespeare's screenplay. If you're looking forward, say, to the "Double double toil and trouble" scene, it ain't here. Oh, and there are more than three witches, for reasons than never become apparent (if indeed there were any). At the risk of dropping spoilers I won't go into any more detail...suffice to say that if you are at all familiar with Macbeth, some changes may well drive you barmy, while others may seem more inspired.The combination of Shakespearean language, the Scots brogue and some decidedly mumbled deliveries is at times infuriating - I struggled and I'm Scottish. If you are shy of blood then be warned: there are stabbings, throat-cuttings and general blood-letting galore, not to mention Macbeth's needlessly cruel dispatch of Macduff's family. Basically, the entire film is relentlessly grim. I know, I know - it's Macbeth, of course it is! Well just don't say I didn't warn you.I was torn on how many stars to give Macbeth and have probably been needlessly harsh, but I'd rather be harsh than too generous. It is undoubtedly a beautifully directed and acted film ... there's just a bit too much meddling for me (one can never better the Bard!). It's well worth a watch but may infuriate the purists.

Shakespeare's dark Scottish play has always provided directors and filmmakers with opportunities to bring something fresh to the original, and this adaptation is no exception. I always felt that the core of this story is the fact that the Macbeths are childless, and was impressed to see the movie open with the funeral of the couple's young child. From there, we see why Macbeth needs to pursue Fleance, and it makes sense of his voicing the sad truth that everything he has done has been for Banquo's line. Michael Fassbender is absolutely perfect in the title role, portraying the downfall of a man we can admire in many ways, and Paddy Considine a more than convincing Banquo - ironic that they're both Irish, but all the Scottish voices and accents add to the impact of the movie. There's no point in being picky about accents when the performances are so good. Similarly, the iconic scenery of the Isle of Skye and the Western Highlands, nowhere close to Dunsinane or Birnam, enhance the mood and atmosphere brilliantly, as does the musical soundtrack of cello-like notes, like the drone of the pipes. This version might not stand up to pedantic academic scrutiny, but it's certainly a gripping and powerful one, with acknowledgement of the strength of women and how the powerful eventually will be held to account for their actions.

An updated telling of 'Shakespeare's' classic-tale 'Macbeth' and almost certainly not one for the purists...As others have pointed out the film does drift some from the Bard's writings, though the opening sequences are wellportrayed and should please most.In the mist of battle 'Macbeth' (Michael Fassbender) encounters three Witches who foretell that he would one day be King.The ambitious 'Macbeth' some while after returning home to his wife Lady Macbeth (Marion Cotillard) does indeed becomeKing after murdering King Duncan (David Thewlis)Racked with guilt of his reign it becomes increasingly marked with bloodshed as he drifts toward madness seeing images ofthose he had ordered killed and those that had fallen in battle.His wife equally to blame as he turns upon those he once called friend a path that would almost certainly lead to his own downfall.Must admit i did enjoy this more than i expected, the trailer drew me in some while back....The writings of Shakespeare' of course has many fans and followers World-Wide, though i have to admit i am not one of them intruth, i remember dreading Literature Lessons during my years at school, i remember having to read passages to the class fromhis works, and indeed having to write compositions on what we had learnt from reading his plays, i must have taken note as mymarks on the subject were indeed good from memory, though to this day my thoughts on Shakespeare's writings remain the same.However, this adaptation of Macbeth is in my view highly watchable.....the haunting images, the cinematic presentation, the gloriousrugged scenery, the atmospheric score .....all contributing to the spectacle.If i had to pick out the one outstanding performance in the film it would be that of 'Marion Cotillard' in the role of Lady Macbeth.Everybody i'm sure will have different takes on the film after watching.Features -Interview with Director - Justin KurtzelReimagining of a Classic - FeaturetteMackbeth, Casualty of War - FeaturetteLady Macbeth