Macbeth

Nobody does tragedy like Shakespeare. There's a reason why his work has been a creative mainstay for centuries, interpreted infinitely. This year sees the latest interpretation of arguably his darkest play, Macbeth.

For the uninitiated, this is the story of a Scottish duke, Macbeth (Michael Fassbender), who, on receiving a prophecy from a group of witches about becoming the future King of Scotland, becomes obsessed with ambition and is manipulated by his wife (Marion Cotillard) to murder the current king to take the throne, leading to tragedy.

Shakespeare adaptations are never measured by story, but by execution. Australian director Justin Kurzel has crafted a grim, violent, atmospheric version that is viscerally haunting. Aided by brother Jed's ominous score, detailed costume/make-up and set design, it's Kurzel's masterful collaboration with cinematographer Adam Arkapaw that pushes the cinematic language in such a striking way. From the beginning's brutal slow-mo battle to the remarkable, orange-soaked climax, this is one of the boldest, best shot films in recent memory.

The performances are effective despite the text occasionally being lost within realistic delivery and thick accents, but raw emotion remains. Fassbender's Macbeth is a powerhouse, both ruthless and tormented, supported by Cotillard's understatedly brilliant Lady Macbeth, both beautiful and damaged.

Overall, this is a strong adaptation not for the fainthearted, with images that will burn into memory.