Saturday, April 19, 2014

Michael Fassbender Talks His "Macbeth" And First Photos

The first couple of photos are out for the newest film adaptation of author William Shakespeare's classic play Macbeth.

This "visceral" version contains major battle scenes, is set in the 11th century, and will be performed in "the original language".

 Oscar winner Marion Cotillard replaced Natalie Portman as Lady Macbeth opposite Michael Fassbender in the title role.

 Jack Reynor, Paddy Considine, David Thewlis, Sean Harris and Elizabeth Debicki also star. 

Justin Kurzel ("Snowtown") helms this update from a script adaptation by Todd Louiso and Jacob Koskoff.

The movie will be produced by Iain Canning and Emile Sherman.



The Daily Mail visited the film's set around Ely Cathedral standing in for Dunsinane Castle, and talked with Fassbender about his portrayal the Thane of Cawdor in this version:

"He's suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. It makes total sense, when you think about it. Justin set the seed of the idea in my head. This trauma is something we know about. In World War I they called it battle fatigue, and it was probably more horrific in Macbeth's days, when they were killing with their bare hands, and driving a blade through bodies. He's having these hallucinations, and he needs to return to the violence to find some sort of clarity, or peace."

Then there's the fact that Macbeth had lost a child which tested the relationship he had with his wife, called Lady M in this film:

"He'd been away fighting and when he returns, we see it's a relationship that’s broken down. They lost a child, and there wasn't time for them to grieve because he's been away campaigning. Lady M is desperate for that reconnection, and briefly they do. And, of course, the doorway has been opened to darkness and to violence."

An early 2015 release is planned for the UK.

No comments: