The Tragedy of Macbeth

This is kind of a bummer. Yes. I know: The play is a bummer. And it’s a tragedy -- it says so right in the title. But with the famously obtuse text, there has to be something grounding to bring you in. Movie stars help. But the sets are so foreign and minimalist and the costumes are enigmatic. The entire presentation seems determined to alienate the audience (I'm thankful for the very Coen Brothery respite from Stephen Root). I’m sure the plan was for the sets to “look cool.” But they end up hurting more than helping. There’s nothing relatable in this at all. There’s nothing to connect to. There's no furniture. It’s an Ingmar Bergman film without a Max von Sydow. It’s beautifully, perfectly made. Certain imagery is awesome. It pains me to say it, but this lacks heart.