The Tragedy of Macbeth Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A power-hungry couple gets really into home renovation but forgets the permit for regicide and ends up with serious mold problems and a fatal foreclosure.

🍿 The Tragedy of Macbeth: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Prophecy

Macbeth and Banquo, victorious generals under King Duncan, encounter three witches who deliver prophecies. They proclaim Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland. They also foretell that Banquo’s descendants will be kings. This sparks ambition in Macbeth and plants the seed of treachery.

The Murder of King Duncan

Lady Macbeth, driven by ambition, manipulates Macbeth into murdering King Duncan, who is a guest in their castle. Overcome with guilt and paranoia, Macbeth hesitates but is ultimately persuaded by his wife. After the deed is done, they frame Duncan’s servants for the crime.

Macbeth’s Reign of Terror

As King, Macbeth becomes increasingly tyrannical and paranoid. He orders the murder of Banquo to prevent the prophecy about Banquo’s heirs from coming true. He also orders the slaughter of Macduff’s family after Macduff flees to England to join Malcolm, Duncan’s son, in raising an army against Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth’s Descent into Madness

Lady Macbeth, consumed by guilt over the murder of Duncan, begins to lose her sanity. She is plagued by hallucinations and sleepwalks, reliving the night of the murder. Her guilt and mental deterioration ultimately lead to her death.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Macbeth (Denzel Washington): A Scottish lord driven by ambition and the prophecies of witches to seize the throne through betrayal and murder.
• Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand): Macbeth’s ambitious wife who manipulates him and descends into madness as a result of their actions.
• Macduff (Corey Hawkins): A Scottish nobleman who becomes Macbeth’s nemesis and seeks revenge for the murder of his family.
• Duncan (Brendan Gleeson): The King of Scotland, whose murder by Macbeth sets the play’s tragic events in motion.
• Witches (Kathryn Hunter): Three supernatural figures who deliver prophecies that influence Macbeth’s actions and lead to his downfall.
• Banquo (Bertie Carvel): A general in Duncan’s army, whose ghost haunts Macbeth after he is murdered.
• Malcolm (Harry Melling): Duncan’s son and heir, who flees to England and eventually returns to reclaim the throne.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Witches: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air.” – This paradoxical statement sets the tone for the play, highlighting the moral ambiguity and deception to come.
• Lady Macbeth: “Out, damned spot! out, I say!” – Lady Macbeth says this while sleepwalking, consumed by guilt over the murders, revealing her descent into madness.
• Macbeth: “Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?” – Macbeth hallucinates before killing Duncan, showing his internal conflict and the supernatural influence driving him.
• Macbeth: “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace from day to day.” – Macbeth reflects on the futility of life after Lady Macbeth’s death, expressing despair and disillusionment.
• Macbeth: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” – This is part of Macbeth’s famous soliloquy about the meaninglessness of life, reflecting his despair.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,247,71
• Worldwide Gross: $524,771

💥 The Tragedy of Macbeth Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, what a trip! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, even though I knew what was going to happen. The black and white really added to the tension and Denzel Washington’s performance as Macbeth was phenomenal. I especially loved the scene where he’s hallucinating at the banquet. It made my skin crawl. I’ve never seen anything like this!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Shakespeare”
  • “Viewers who appreciate stylized filmmaking”
  • “Those interested in dark, psychological dramas”
  • “Admirers of Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand”
  • “People who like black and white films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Murder”
  • “Thematic elements of ambition, betrayal, and madness”
  • “Scenes that may be disturbing to sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The Shakespeare Enthusiast: “Coen’s Macbeth is a stark, visually striking adaptation that prioritizes atmosphere over accessibility. Washington and McDormand deliver powerful performances, though the film’s stylized presentation may alienate viewers unfamiliar with the source material. Kathryn Hunter’s portrayal of the witches is unforgettable.
• Arty Film Critic: “A visually arresting and stylish adaptation of Macbeth. The black-and-white cinematography and minimalist sets create a dreamlike quality, but this emphasis on aesthetics sometimes overshadows the emotional depth of the story. Washington is a standout. Overall, an interesting but not entirely successful take on a classic.

Audience Reactions

Kathryn Hunter’s performance as the witches was terrifying and mesmerizing.: The film’s striking black and white cinematography and minimalist sets were widely praised for creating a haunting atmosphere.

Denzel Washington’s performance as Macbeth earned praise for his intensity and gravitas.: Fans of Shakespeare appreciated the film’s mostly faithful adaptation of the play’s text and themes.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning but potentially inaccessible adaptation of Macbeth, praised for its performances and atmosphere but criticized for its stylized presentation.

Awards

1. AARP Movies for Grownups Awards (Best Intergenerational Film)- 2022

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This is Joel Coen’s first solo directorial effort; all his previous films were co-directed with his brother Ethan Coen.”
• “The film is shot in black and white and in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio, reminiscent of classic Hollywood films and German Expressionism, enhancing its stark and theatrical feel.”
• “Kathryn Hunter plays all three witches, delivering a physically and vocally striking performance achieved through body contortion.”
• “Almost the entire movie was filmed on soundstages to create an isolated, dreamlike atmosphere.”
• “Denzel Washington’s casting as Macbeth brought a new perspective to the character, adding a layer of weariness and age to the role.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Tragedy of Macbeth?

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) is available to stream on Apple TV+. You can also rent or purchase the film on platforms like Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, and Apple TV.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Tragedy of Macbeth, you might like these similar films:

• Throne of Blood (1957): Akira Kurosawa’s adaptation of Macbeth set in feudal Japan, explores similar themes of ambition and betrayal with stunning visuals.
• Hamlet (1996): Another Shakespearean tragedy dealing with themes of revenge, corruption, and madness, directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh.
• Henry V (1989): Another Shakespearean play directed by Kenneth Branagh, displaying leadership.
• The Witch (2015): A dark and atmospheric period piece exploring themes of paranoia, witchcraft, and the disintegration of a family, akin to the psychological horror in Macbeth.
• House of Gucci (2021): A modern story of ambition, betrayal, and murder within a powerful family, echoing Macbeth’s themes of power and corruption.

🛒 The Tragedy of Macbeth Related Products

• The Tragedy of Macbeth (Folger Shakespeare Library): The original Shakespeare play, perfect for studying the source material, understanding the language, and comparing interpretations.
• Macbeth (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Explore other interpretations of Macbeth in an enhanced quality Blu-ray edition with bonus features.
• Pop Shakespeare Graphic Novel – Macbeth: Fun and Easy way to Learn About Macbeth
• Shakespearean Insults Mug – ‘Away, you three-inch fool!’: A funny gift to brighten the office with a bit of Shakespearean flair.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Tragedy of Macbeth features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Fair Is Foul (feat. Kathryn Hunter)” – performed by Carter Burwell
• “Funeral” – performed by Carter Burwell
• “Knock” – performed by Carter Burwell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Macbeth (Shakespeare) – Thug Notes Summary and Analysis

Want to understand Macbeth without the Shakespearean headache? This Thug Notes summary breaks it down in a way that’s surprisingly insightful and hilarious. Seriously, who knew classic literature could be this entertaining?

Free Will, Witches, Murder, and Macbeth, Part 1: Crash Course Literature 409

Ever wondered what Macbeth is *really* about? Crash Course Literature breaks down the free will, witches, and murder that makes it a classic. Honestly, this video makes the play so much more understandable and, dare I say, interesting!

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