Joel Coen’s gorgeous new film, The Tragedy of Macbeth, can be read as a kind of return to Blood Simple, all these years later-it is a co-production between him and McDormand, who plays Lady Macbeth, and for this and many other reasons, it feels a little like an anniversary. In Blood Simple, as in Macbeth, murder is a permanently dirty act, and trying to wipe it away is not only impossible, but also leads to a much greater, much dirtier mess. ![]() In the background, on the bar wall, hangs a clever prop which will reappear numerous times throughout the film: a sign mandating that all employees wash their hands before returning to work-a bit of realistic décor as much as a harbinger of the ramifications to come, for its calling to mind the futile hand-washing hallucinations of Lady Macbeth after she and her husband kill the king of Scotland. Lady Macbeth dismisses the court and unsuccessfully tries to calm her husband.In the flawless, stainless neo-noir Blood Simple, the 1984 directorial debut of Joel and Ethan Coen and the acting debut of Joel’s soon-to-be wife Frances McDormand, a character clandestinely commits a murder in the back room of a Texas bar-an act that sets off a chain reaction of suspicion, guilt, and brutal coverups. ![]() At his state banquet that night, Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo and worries the courtiers with his mad response. In the darkness, Banquo is murdered, but his son escapes the assassins. He remembers the prophecy that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne and arranges for Banquo and his son Fleance to be killed. Macbeth becomes King of Scotland but is plagued by feelings of insecurity. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee, fearing for their own lives but they are, nevertheless, blamed for the murder. When Macduff discovers the murder, Macbeth kills the drunken guards in a show of rage and retribution. She leaves the bloody daggers by the dead king just before Macduff, a nobleman, arrives. He regrets this almost immediately, but his wife reassures him. At the appointed time, Lady Macbeth gives the guards drugged wine so Macbeth can enter and kill the King. The Macbeths plot together to kill Duncan and wait until everyone is asleep. Macbeth returns to his castle, followed almost immediately by King Duncan. Macbeth with Henry Irving Programme, 1889 Is this a dagger which I see before me? - Macbeth, Act 2 Scene 1 She vows to help him become king by whatever means are necessary (*ominous music*). Lady Macbeth receives news from her husband about the prophecy and his new title. The King then proposes to make a brief visit that night to Macbeth's castle at Inverness. The promotion seems to support the prophecy. Soon afterwards, King Duncan names Macbeth Thane of Cawdor as a reward for his success in the recent battles. The generals want to hear more, but the "weird sisters" disappear. Banquo's descendants will be kings, but Banquo isn't promised any kingdom himself. The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be promoted twice: to Thane of Cawdor (a rank of the aristocracy bestowed by grateful kings) and King of Scotland. ![]() On a bleak Scottish moorland, Macbeth and Banquo, two of King Duncan's generals, discover three strange women (witches). Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king, becomes the new king, and kills more people out of paranoia. Three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland. TL DR (may contain spoilers): Macbeth hears that he is going to be king he and Lady Macbeth kill people so he can become king both of them die. Information to help you plan your visit to Shakespeare's family homes Prices, booking, opening times and more to help you get organisedĮnjoy seasonal activities and special events throughout the year Visit William Shakespeare's Birthplace and explore his childhood world, right where it all began.
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