Discussing Justin Kurzel’s Macbeth from the 2015 Melbourne International Film Festival – by James Cunningham
Audiences were rewarded with a surprise screening of the new Macbeth, on the final day of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
The epic film was preceded by a short video introduction from Macbeth himself (also known as Michael Fassbender), the Australian Director Justin Kurzel and the Emmy Award-winning Aussie DOP Adam Arkapaw ACS (Animal Kingdom, True Detective S1) who has achieved nothing short of an absolute triumph.
What is so refreshing about this generous new production is how ‘wordless’ the film seems considering its Shakespeare, and that speaks volumes about how the film’s visuals tell more than just the story. Kurzel and Arkapaw’s raw, instinctual approach consistently pays dividends; filmed in brilliant colour 35mm – the film looks phenomenal.
Arkapaw’s work on Macbeth is flawless, smart and hypnotic; it will surely bring him some serious recognition come awards season.
James Cunningham is the Editor of Australian Cinematographer Magazine.