This is a rare interpretation and adaptation of Shakespeare’s work on screen.
‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ is a story about a Scottish lord who was convinced by witches that he will become the next king of Scotland. His wife stood by his side and supported him to seize power.
The cast includes Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, and Kathryn Hunter.
In this modern time, who would have got this idea of shooting a modern film in black and white?
Director Joel Coen said that he wanted to have a film in a theatrical way. This film is a combination of theater-like overall but also portraying a bit on the modern side. Since Macbeth was one of Shakespeare’s most dramatic plays, Coen wanted to show the viewers a different kind of drama that appeals to the whole body and this was it.
Cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel said that this was his first film in black and white. He was also the cinematographer for the film ‘Amelie’ by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and ‘Amelie’ screamed in colors.
Black and white is restriction—it restricts you from anything, movements and all. He established the passage of time and that was in a challenging side that came out really good. It’s challenging and at the same time very interesting because you do have limited options to showcase things because it kinda disconnects you from reality. This makes the moments in which the supernatural take over even more impactful.
Aside from that, the film is set on ratio which fills a centered-square shape and black bars in both left and right sides.
Black and White is a powerful tool not anyone can master and achieve. The visual will come out as unique as possible and it also addresses how equipped you are into photography.
Fans applauded on how well this film was created through set design, lighting, mood, and cinematography. The Black and white camera work emphasized dark and eerie tone but in a very delicate way.
Joel Coen’s various other methods, sound and light, give the film the sense of rhythm that Shakespeare is so famous for. The choice of having this in black and white was backed by the meaning in the story which fans will know.
Coen and Delbonnel used contrast by getting inspiration from German Expressionism with gothic vibes and architectural angles.
This faithful adaptation with breathtaking angles is one of the cinema’s greatest Shakespeare adaptation.
