Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown
It’s from a different Shakespeare play but I’ve always been fascinated by this quote. And I wonder if it’s still true. Because the power now is in the money. And, well, Rupert Murdoch may have had a few sleepless nights here and there but, come on, do you really doubt that he sleeps well?
Anyway, the quote. It’s undeniably apt for Macbeth. Earlier this week new stills from the upcoming Macbeth film starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard were released showing Michael with his crown on, looking dark and troubled on the throne and…beseechingly manipulative with his dirty hands on Marion’s face, much to her perceived discomfort. There’s another one of her on her own, clearly tormented by guilt, well on her way to madness. Fine. But I’m going to need to see the other side too.
As I’ve mentioned several times before, Macbeth is not the most interesting character of the story – SHE is. When we meet her she’s full of cunning. She’s the silent boss. The action doesn’t happen around her, the action goes forward because she plans it. Duana always says that the best characters are the ones who WANT things. Lady Macbeth wanted it ALL. And then she’s allowed to doubt and obsess and question whether or not it was worth it. That’s what I’m hoping to see – all those other sides.
Michael Fassbender was in New York yesterday. Soon though, it’ll be Cannes where Macbeth will be screened in competition.
