Film review: 'Macbeth'

"Macbeth" is a bloody masterpiece. And casting Michael Fassbender as the "Man Who Would Be King" was a stroke of genius.

For those who are unfamiliar with Shakespeare's great Scottish tragedy, here's the nutshell: Following a fierce battle, Macbeth encounters witches, who prophesize that he will become King of Scotland. Upon telling his controlling wife, she cajoles her unwilling husband into killing the reigning King, Duncan. After the fact, he begins an ambitious, bloodthirsty journey into paranoia. It doesn't end well for Macbeth — or his wife.

Many a great director has tackled the Bard's most violent and iconic tragedy, including Orson Welles and Roman Polanski. But Justin Kurzel's ("Snowtown") is a bracing revival, which honors the original text but ratchets up the savagery. Hauntingly shot on the Isle of Skye, startling landscapes are in vast contrast to dark, bloodied battlefields. He employs slow motion as well as fast motion camerawork, which exquisitely intensifies the visual lure of this work of art.

A compelling cast enhances the magnificence and scope of "Macbeth." Academy Award-winner Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose") is quietly brilliant as the grief-stricken, scheming Lady Macbeth. Her performance deftly balances the vile and melancholy nature of a flawed woman who deeply loves her husband.

As for Fassbender, his Macbeth seems to be the most multi-faceted and relatable thus far. Whether he's slicing necks on the battlefield or delivering didactic dialogue, one cannot avoid the expressive eyes and oh-so-sexy voice. This guy is such a gifted actor, he manages to elevate films of any genre to noteworthiness. Think: "Eden Lake," "Hunger," "Shame" and "Steve Jobs."

Thunderous scoring, soaring cinematography and impeccable acting make Kurzel's "Macbeth" one that may attract a wide audience. Methinks even the Bard would be impressed.