First, Denzel Washington is very good. But all that restraint needs to be let loose at some point, and it isn't. The black and white staging and lighting is more like a throwback to German Expressionism than anything actually new. Frankly the direction, staging, and cinematography detracted from the excellent acting, and the whole thing felt very heavy handed. I wanted it to be great, I really enjoy the play, I enjoy Coen's other movies, but it just did not quite work.

I didn't realize how brilliant this play/story is as complicated as the bulk is it's extraordinarily made and flows well. My mom couldn't finish cause she didn't understand it that's kinda fair the performances are phenomenal and cinematography is perfect! Well deserving of the award nominations. I'm not sure what else to say except The Tragedy of Macbeth is glorious in thy presentation!

Sorry if it makes a difference I have autism I might not be best at describing things but the movie is fair to understand a portion.

The Tragedy of Macbeth got a well working cast, some beautiful and interesting scenes shot in black and white, and I like the very reduced sound design and settings, but somewhat watching I wasn't too enchanted and entertained. I read Macbeth quite a few times and I dare to say I watched almost all movie adaptions (and some more than just a few times), so maybe I am just tired of the story, the material itself. The movie got without doubt some merits and tried something new but Roman Polanski's (1971) and Orson Well's (1948) adaptions are in my opinion unchallenged by this one. I would also prefer to put Macbeth starring Michael Fassbender (2015) again on my screen instead of this one. For sure the strongest part of Coen's work are the visuals but that's more or less what will have some lasting impressions on me - so if you want some Macbeth in the gestalt of a more or less theatrical performance, you may give this one a try.