Macbeth

Part of the beauty of Shakespeare’s best works is its adaptability to a variety of settings and interpretations. So while the latest big-screen version of Macbeth might not thrill purists, it’s admirable in its attempt to retain the spirit of the Bard while presenting a fresh vision for the material.

Still, although this stylish adaptation frees the classic tragedy from its stagebound roots, the visuals tend to overwhelm the performances and the dialogue, making for a deeply introspective film that’s difficult to penetrate (especially given the authentic accents and softly spoken delivery).

From its bookend battlefield sequences, Australian director Justin Kurzel presents an atmospheric take on the source material that’s visceral and certainly bleak. He shows confidence with a visual approach that focuses on stark highland landscapes, washed-out colors, fog and silhouettes, and even relentlessly dreary weather.

Michael Fassbender plays the military hero who defends the Scottish crown during a Norse uprising. His allies hail his efforts, of course, and so do three witches who feed his ambition for the throne held by King Duncan (David Thewlis).

A murder puts Macbeth in power, where his supporters start to wane as his thirst for violence increases, driven by his duplicitous wife (Marion Cotillard). Victims caught in the crossfire include Macbeth’s friend Banquo (Paddy Considine) and Lady Macduff, whose husband (Sean Harris) evolves into the new king’s chief rival.

The deliberately paced script from three writers pares down the play to a bloody medieval power struggle of almost gangster proportions, emphasizing the play’s themes of greed, betrayal, and deceit. While it trims some background details, most of the key speeches remain relatively intact.

Fassbender again shows his versatility by bringing understated charisma and intensity to the iconic title role. He carves an imposing figure who’s emotionally scarred and internally conflicted, and certainly difficult to embrace as an antihero. The supporting cast likewise is strong, with Cotillard providing some highlights as the manipulative Lady Macbeth.

However, the highly stylized film is somewhat pretentious and overwrought, only partially redeemed by the performances and by some powerful imagery. Yet like its setting, this Macbeth is cold and uninviting, keeping audiences at an emotional distance.

Rated R, 113 minutes.