2021 · 105 min · Drama, Historical
The Tragedy of Macbeth is Joel Coen's stark, hypnotic adaptation of Shakespeare's play, filmed in luminous black-and-white and designed to look like a German Expressionist nightmare. Denzel Washington brings cool menace to Macbeth while Frances McDormand seethes as Lady Macbeth. Cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel creates unforgettable images — all geometric shadows and vast, empty spaces — making this the most visually distinctive Shakespeare adaptation in decades.
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) streams on Apple TV+.
Yes. The Tragedy of Macbeth is Joel Coen's first solo directorial effort — his previous films were all co-directed with his brother Ethan Coen. It is noticeably different in tone from the Coens' collaborative work.
No. The Tragedy of Macbeth is filmed entirely in black-and-white with a square Academy ratio (1.33:1), designed to evoke 1940s-50s theatrical productions and German Expressionist cinema.
Familiarity with the play helps significantly. The film does not add exposition — it trusts the viewer knows the story. A quick plot summary of Macbeth beforehand is recommended for those unfamiliar.
The film received one Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography for Bruno Delbonnel's extraordinary black-and-white work.