Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair and Fests are Festing
Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 3:00PM by Jason Adams
I don't know about you but I've entirely lost all concept of time -- is it really time to start gearing up and delivering news about fall movie festivals? Wasn't it just Sundance a literal second ago? Next thing you'll tell me it's not 2020 anymore. Anyway while I was busy slowing sliding down the wall of my shower with a stunned vacant look on my face the New York Film Festival was announcing its Opening Night film for this year's 59th festival -- Joel Coen's The Tragedy of Macbeth, starring Denzel Washington and Lady Frances McDormand, will kick it off in the city that never sleeps on the night of September 24th. That's 64 days away! Here's their descriptor of the flick:
"A work of stark chiaroscuro and incantatory rage, Joel Coen’s boldly inventive visualization of The Scottish Play is an anguished film that stares, mouth agape, at a sorrowful world undone by blind greed and thoughtless ambition. In meticulously world-weary performances, a strikingly inward Denzel Washington is the man who would be king, and an effortlessly Machiavellian Frances McDormand is his Lady, a couple driven to political assassination—and deranged by guilt—after the cunning prognostications of a trio of “weird sisters” (a virtuoso physical inhabitation by Kathryn Hunter). Though it echoes the forbidding visual designs—and aspect ratios—of Laurence Olivier’s classic 1940s Shakespeare adaptations, as well as the bloody medieval madness of Kurosawa’s Throne of Blood, Coen’s tale of sound and fury is entirely his own—and undoubtedly one for our moment, a frightening depiction of amoral political power-grabbing that, like its hero, ruthlessly barrels ahead into the inferno. An Apple/A24 release."
Other names of note in Joel's take on the Scottish slaughter-tale of yore include Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Ineson (so basso-profundo memorable at Thomasin's pops in The VVitch), and the always memorable Harry Melling. Meanwhile names not of note specifically include Ethan Coen, who didn't work with Joel on this one? I hope the Coens TM are okay. I have a lot invested in that brand loyalty. What do we think -- will this one get the Coen name back in the Oscar business or what?
Reader Comments (16)
I love Kathryn Hunter, easily the most mesmerising stage performers working today. I hope that's captured well on screen and could we dare to hope for a Best Supporting Actress nod...
I may be overreacting because I love her so much but I fear the McDormand backlash on Twitter. Can't they save it for 2022?
Hmm yet another Macbeth film
Didn't know about this project so thanks! I appreciate your posotive writing tone. You really make expressing views as a commenter feel safe from attack or ridicule, especially from those in authority.
But the Fassbender-Cotillard one directed by Justin Kurzel is gripping, intense and beautifuly shot with flawless performances, and it was released just 6 years ago, so my question is "Why bother".
Back in 2014, I caught Kenneth Branagh and Rob Ashford's production of Macbeth at the Park Avenue Armory. (It was a spectacular show; the venue was used brilliantly.)
Anyway, I was exiting the Armory, also leaving the venue was: Joel Coen and Frances McDormand! I wonder if something was afoot already back then… (scratches chin)
Peggy, you're not overreacting. I've already read negative comments saying she'll go supporting to grab her 4th. Crazy!
Like McDormand cares about winning Oscars. Or Joel Coen, for that matter. They have more of those than they ever wanted.
Denzel's third makes him a member of The Inevitables once more. But how soon until he nabs it? Make your bets folks.
@howdareu Hollywood's just gonna keep making Macbeths until people show up and actually make one a hit. There were three big budget Hamlets in the 1990s. As long as the filmmaker offers a new interpretation, Shakespeare is always welcome as far as I'm concerned. I'm guessing this one will have some very interesting Trumpian echos.
Ralph Ineson is in this film too? Wow, for a Leeds-born character actor for most of his career, he is in everything at the moment. Most be that voice. Plus, he's a good actor.
I'm looking forward to this. You can never have too much Frances McDormand (or Tilda Swinton).
Disagree on your parenthesis. Or moreso disagree so much as the excitment of Tilda has faded recently, but with such talent she will surely hit her groove again and make us truly say again that we can never have enough of her! (Apologies in advance if this upsets Claudio or Nathaniel. I know you're both hyper sensitive right now, but i thought i'd try to state an opinion that may differ from the rest. That can cause vitriol we've seen lately and that is not my intent)
It's still really hard for me to imagine McDormand in this role, but I am anticipating the final results nonetheless.
LOL. Never thought D Washington & F McDormand was the ultimate couple I didn't knew I needed. Denzel was never a fan - while acknowledging his merits -, Frances - what a career! I don't know if I want this movie to be a hit or a flop, frankly.
What an odd pairing, and in a Shakespeare tragedy too. I’m definitely intrigued.
Although Denzel was great in Fences and maybe one other August Wilson play I didn't see, I'm not sure he has a Macbeth in him. I am not a big fan of Frances, but don't doubt her acting chops. I will look forward to this film with relish. None of the ones done so far seem that great to me.