• Review Index
  • About Me
  • Suggestions

vinnieh

~ Movie reviews and anything else that comes to mind

vinnieh

Tag Archives: Tragedy

Macbeth

23 Wednesday Nov 2016

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 49 Comments

Tags

2010's, David Thewlis, Jack Reynor, Justin Kurzel, Macbeth, Marion Cotillard, Michael Fassbender, Paddy Considine, Sean Harris, Tragedy, William Shakespeare

Film Title

Macbeth

Director

Justin Kurzel

Starring

  • Michael Fassbender as Macbeth
  • Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth
  • Paddy Considine as Banquo
  • Sean Harris as Macduff
  • Jack Reynor as Malcolm
  • David Thewlis as King Duncan

Shakespeare’s classic play Macbeth is one that is often committed to film many a time, but this version of the tragedy has enough clout and striking atmosphere to distinguish it from the crowd.

The film begins on a Scottish battlefield as civil war is raging. Lord Macbeth is fighting for the cause of King Duncan against the opposition. macbeth-2015-posterThe battle is a bloody one and following events will also change for Macbeth. After the battle, Macbeth encounters a group of witches who tell him of a prophecy that he will be king. The other part of the foreshadowing is that his friend and fellow fighter Banquo’s descendants will also be kings in the future, as Macbeth’s child has died. This prophecy, in particular the fact that he will become king, haunts and consumes Macbeth, who is unsure of how to react to it. Yet spurred on by the deep ambitions of his manipulative wife Lady Macbeth, he goes through with the deed and kills King Duncan. The King’s son Malcolm sees what has happened yet flees, leaving the throne wide open to Macbeth, who already holds a significant title. Macbeth, thanks to the murder he committed with the help of his wife, is crowned King just like the prophecy of the witches said. michael-fassbender-macbethBut the grips of paranoia seize Macbeth and he is haunted by his actions. People grow suspicious of Macbeth and his ways, in particular Banquo and Macduff. This brings out the depraved cruelty within him that begins to wipe out anyone who stands in the way of his tyrannical rule. Soon Macbeth is spiraling into full-on delusional behaviour and outright savagery, as what was once good inside him shatters in the wake of his viciousness and ambition.

Adapting anything from Shakespeare must be a challenge, as you want to  stamp your own impression on the material and not just follow suit of everyone else, though keeping the feeling of the play is crucial to. No one need worry though with Justin Kurzel in the director’s seat. He makes this Macbeth bold, uncompromising and daring in style and content. macbeth-and-lady-macbethI’ve always seen Macbeth as something of a cinematic work, and Kurzel holds control over events like a maestro conductor with a dazzling repertoire of celluloid techniques that thrust the story into visceral and dark life. Mist and oppressive setting of the film gives grandiose and spooky ambience to Macbeth, that ensures that the coldness and savagery we witness practically seeps off the screen into our conscience. Gothic splendour exudes from almost every frame before we get an orange-red climax that is an exhilarating spectacle of overflowing anguish and corrupting darkness in which Macbeth faces off with Macduff. Macbeth should also be praised for adhering to the text in a largely faithful manner. It doesn’t try to bring anything up to date and has the verse intact, allowing the actors to savour the lines they are given. A Celtic influenced score matches the events beat for beat as treachery and murder ultimately take hold of almost every character.

At the heart of the film there is Michael Fassbender, who is searing as the eponymous character. Displaying a an engulfing ferocity that becomes more impossible to contain, Fassbender truly draws out the menace and cruelty of Macbeth. Yet in quite a few instances he humanizes the character a little bit, so you can practically feel the anguish and growing paranoia from the moment he stabs Duncan and begins his downward spiral. Fassbender is truly on fine form as Macbeth, wrapping his voice around every syllable with a commanding performance of intensity and suffering. Matching him move for move is Marion Cotillard as the driving force which is Lady Macbeth. lady-macbeth-marion-cotillardShe’s a calculating woman of dark ambition that Cotillard plays to the hilt with a sometimes mask like detachment that serves the character well and gets the audience to puzzle over what is going on in her head. With the added sub-plot of her losing a child, Cotillard works wonders in unfurling that maybe Lady Macbeth has filled the devastating void left my her loss with a ruthless and cruel plots of which she has control over. It’s a different interpretation of the character that is all the better for the uniqueness that Cotillard provides, especially in the later scenes of a guilt-ridden woman knowing that a lot of her husband’s descent is by her own hand. The excellent supporting cast is strong and includes David Thewlis, Paddy Considine , Sean Harris and Jack Reynor. Each of these respective actors is fine in their roles, though the film ultimately belongs to Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard.

A visceral, violent and bold retelling of the play, Macbeth brings the action to the cinematic heights yet never sacrifices the intimacy or verse of the source material. Shakespeare never looked so brutal and entrancing as it does here.

Hamlet(1990)

19 Friday Sep 2014

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

1990's, Alan Bates, Franco Zeffirelli, Glenn Close, Hamlet, Helena Bonham Carter, Ian Holm, Mel Gibson, Nathaniel Parker, Paul Scofield, Stephen Dillane, Tragedy, William Shakespeare

Film Title

Hamlet

Director

Franco Zeffirelli

Starring

  • Mel Gibson as Prince Hamlet
  • Glenn Close as Queen Gertrude
  • Alan Bates as King Claudius
  • Helena Bonham Carter as Ophelia
  • Ian Holm as Polonius
  • Paul Scofield as the ghost of King Hamlet
  • Stephen Dillane as Horatio
  • Nathaniel Parker as Laertes

In this adaptation of the classic William  Shakespeare tragedy, Franco Zeffirelli assembles an unexpected but engaging cast and directs with vigour and atmospheric skill in an attempt to show an individuality from other versions of the play. And he certainly does a good job of it.

The film begins with the funeral of Hamlet’s father, the King of Denmark. Hamlet’s mother Gertrude is saddened but seems a little too close to her late husband’s brother Claudius. Surely enough, the two marry soon after and Claudius becomes king. Hamlet 1990The young Prince Hamlet is puzzled by this courtship at first, but information regarding the sudden remarriage soon comes his way in eerie fashion. One night after hearing from his trusted friend Horatio that an apparition has been wandering around the castle at night, he is visited by the ghost of his father, who informs him that he was murdered by Claudius so he could take the throne. Hamlet swears revenge on his uncle and descends into madness as he attempts to complete the murderous task.

The first thing to note in Hamlet is the visual style. Dark and hushed shades of blue over the castle, which are juxtaposed with glaring images of sun capture the themes of life and death and the complementary nature of each. The camerawork is stunning as it glides around the surroundings and quite often nestles close to a character, this technique is especially useful and full of impact when Hamlet delivers monologues. Ennio Morricone provides the atmospheric and melancholy music, giving Hamlet a gloomy and suspenseful edge. What many purists will take issue with is the removal of certain parts of dialogue and the transference of certain pieces into different scenes. Yet, with this the film has a strong pace and in some ways makes it more accessible to those unfamiliar with the play. Only at certain times does the removal of parts of dialogue cause Hamlet to lose its way.

Heading the cast is Mel Gibson as Hamlet. At first I wasn’t sure that Gibson would fit the role of Hamlet, but surprisingly he makes the role his own. He contributes vigor, sadness and madness to the part as Hamlet becomes more vengeful and his delivery of dialogue is excellent. Unlike many who portray Hamlet as constantly brooding, Gibson has more fun with the role by adding intelligence and a playful smile which eventually gives way to sinister grins . Glenn Close is effectively cast as Gertrude who changes from grieving widow into a sexually liberated woman after marrying Claudius. The scenes between Close and Gibson are interesting to watch because of the ambiguous nature of their relationship. This unusual examination of mother-son relations adds dimension to the story and adds an edge to the classic piece by giving it more dramatic prominence. Alan Bates makes for a quietly villainous Claudius, whose scheming is masked by a courteous exterior. Helena Bonham Carter brings deep sadness to the role of the tragic Ophelia, whose treatment at the hands of Hamlet sends her spiralling out of control. The sight of her bare foot, chanting old love songs with wild eyes and mournful voice whilst wandering around the castle is a chilling sight to behold. Ian Holm makes for an intelligent Polonius, while Paul Scofield gives wisdom to the part of the King’s ghost. In supporting roles, Stephen Dillane and Nathaniel Parker are wonderfully effective in the parts of Horatio and Laertes.

Liberties taken with the text aside, Zeffirelli makes a vigorous movie of Hamlet that adds another spin to the classic tragedy.

Coriolanus

13 Saturday Sep 2014

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

2010's, Brian Cox, Coriolanus, Gerard Butler, James Nesbitt, Jessica Chastain, Paul Jesson, Ralph Fiennes, Tragedy, Vanessa Redgrave, William Shakespeare

Film Title

Coriolanus

Director

Ralph Fiennes

Starring

  • Ralph Fiennes as Caius Martius Coriolanus
  • Gerard Butler as Tullus Aufidius
  • Vanessa Redgrave as Volumnia
  • Brian Cox as Menenius
  • Jessica Chastain as Virgilia
  • James Nesbitt as Sicinius
  • Paul Jesson as Brutus

A visceral, blood-soaked modern-day adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy which marks the directorial debut of Ralph Fiennes, Coriolanus proves that Shakespeare is just as relevant today as he has ever been with themes of political manipulation and war.

In a battle ravaged version of Rome, riots are taking place on the streets due to a shortage of food and a brutal war is raging against the neighbouring Volscians. The brilliant Roman general Caius Martius is a vicious and brutal warrior  just returning from combat with his old enemy Tullus Aufidius.Coriolanus Poster Upon arrival, he is bestowed with the powerful title of Coriolanus. His ambitious mother Volumnia and influential Senator Menenius persuade him to run for political office, but this doesn’t fair well with Coriolanus as he looks down at the common people and sees them as contemptible. He does however obey his mother and strive for power within the political sphere. Other members of the senate have different ideas about this and begin to incur the wrath of the people who detest his arrogance and slander towards them. This causes them to rise up against the general and he is subsequently banished from Rome as a traitor. Once banished, Coriolanus wanders through the war-torn countryside and comes across his sworn enemy Aufidius. Betrayed by his people and filled with deep rage, Coriolanus forms an unlikely alliance with his old opponent and they plan to take revenge on Rome.

With his directorial debut, Ralph Fiennes brings a gritty realism to the scenes of war and utilises close-ups and dizzying tracking shots to get to the heart of emotion. Updating Shakespeare into a modern context must have provided a challenge, but Fiennes pull it off admirably and shows that the Bard’s work can be applied to modern events just as it is classic events from centuries ago. Admittedly, at first hearing the classical dialogue of Shakespeare spoken in a modern setting can be hard to understand and get used to, but once you become attuned to the words and style the benefits of Coriolanus are deeply rewarding. The score is laced with a militant precision as Coriolanus begins his encroaching plans for revenge with the aid of his old enemy and the impending notion of tragedy.

What really gives Coriolanus its power is the astonishing cast assembled. In the title role, Ralph Fiennes is fierce, arrogant and raging as he changes from ‘man to dragon’ and declares vengeance on Rome. Fiennes gives the role his all and really gets to the heart of this complex character with his powerful delivery and barely contained intensity that radiates from his eyes. Gerard Butler is impressively tough and suspecting as his sworn enemy who becomes an ally. Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant as Volumnia, the autocratic mother of Coriolanus. Ambitious, influential and  overly supportive, Redgrave brings a whole range of emotions to the part of this matriarch and speaks her lines with authority and confidence. Her scenes are electrifying with Ralph Fiennes as she attempts to reason with him, whilst also issuing her powerful and domineering hold over her son. Brian Cox is effectively used as a powerful Senator who is firmly on the side of Coriolanus, whilst Jessica Chastain exudes vulnerability and tenderness as Virgilia, the wife of Coriolanus. James Nesbitt and Paul Jesson relish their roles as politicians who succeed in manipulating events so that Coriolanus is banished.

Dramatic, violent and gripping, Coriolanus is Shakespeare updated in visceral and powerful fashion, boasting fantastic performances and assured direction.

Subscribe

  • Entries (RSS)
  • Comments (RSS)

Archives

  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012

Categories

  • 007 thoughts and reviews
  • Adventures of Satrap
  • Announcements
  • Awards and Achievements
  • Birthdays and Tributes
  • Blogging Community
  • Blogging Questions
  • Creepy
  • Gif Posts
  • Humour
  • Movie and Television Trivia
  • Movie opinions and thoughts
  • Movie Reviews
  • Music reviews and opinions
  • Photography Discussion
  • Rest In Peace
  • Sport
  • Television Opinions
  • Television Reviews
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
June 2022
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  
« May    

Tags

007 1940's 1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's 1990's 2000's 2010's Action Adventure Announcement Based on a true story Bernard Lee Bette Davis Birthday Blogs You Should Follow Cate Blanchett Comedy Crime Desmond Llewelyn Disney Drama Fantasy Foreign Language Film Gillian Anderson Halle Berry Happy Birthday Horror James Bond Judi Dench Julianne Moore Julia Roberts Liebster Award Lois Maxwell Madonna Maggie Smith Matthew Fox Meryl Streep Music Musical Mystery Natalie Portman Neve Campbell Period Drama Psychological Horror Psychological Thriller Rest In Peace Romance Romantic Comedy Science Fiction Spy Supernatural Horror Thriller

Top Posts & Pages

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 3
Lyric Analysis - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Kylie Minogue: Where the Wild Roses Grow
A TV Show From My Childhood
Silent Hill
V for Vendetta
The Girl Can't Help It
Charmed Season 8
Walkabout
Who Is Your Favourite Character in The Godfather Trilogy?
The Babysitter
Follow vinnieh on WordPress.com

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • vinnieh
    • Join 3,764 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • vinnieh
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...