Macbeth Review
RYAN: The reality of the situation is that I’ve never read nor seen Macbeth!
CAROLINE: Stop. I’m sure I read it in high school – not that it left that big of an impression on me.
RYAN: I was always curious about it because it has witches in it. But I never did the complete works of Shakespeare and aside from Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, I haven’t seen much else.
CAROLINE: They’re all quite popular. This newest adaptation stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard. How were they?
RYAN: I love them both, to be sure. And they are exceptional – especially Marion. She’s just exquisite and has so much power and strength as Lady Macbeth. She also had moments of utter frailty. Here’s the thing though – I didn’t like this movie. But her performance in it is truly remarkable.
CAROLINE: She’s wonderful. Why didn’t you like the movie?
RYAN: I kept going in and out of liking it. The true acting moments were the best – emotional, raw, interesting. But the battle scenes were long and boring – nothing interesting or different. It’s like action movies for me – if it’s not innovative, keep it short.
CAROLINE: I hear you.
RYAN: The last quarter of the film is all red – kind of like the movie version of South Pacific. But it’s red to the point of, like, enough already! It’s clearly a creative choice but it didn’t work for as long as it runs on. Some of the earlier fight scene use a slow motion effect that is nice. There’s just an overall lower energy to the film.
CAROLINE: Sounds like it could be boring.
RYAN: The allure of Shakespeare throughout the generations is that regardless of social, cultural and technological changes, the themes remain relevant. The themes in this story are no exception – it’s mainly about ambition that spirals out of control – and we maybe be able to think of someone in the political arena who fits that description today.
CAROLINE: I believe In know to whom you are alluding.
RYAN: I just wish the witches were more witchy and there was a bit more between the two stars. The moments they share are highlight, but don’t save the film. It felt like a chore watching this.
