Voodoo Macbeth
Voodoo Macbeth

Movie spotlight

Voodoo Macbeth

2021
Movie
108 min
English

In 1936 Harlem, the first all-Black cast to perform Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', directed by a young and arrogant Orson Welles, battles to make it to opening night.

Insights

IMDb4.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes29%
Metacritic45/100
Google Users48%
Director: Abel FerraraGenres: Horror, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

A modern-day retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth set in the contemporary criminal underworld. The story follows a troubled and ambitious soldier who, spurred on by his manipulative partner and a trio of mysterious figures, descends into a spiral of violence and paranoia as he seeks to seize power.

Critical Reception

Abel Ferrara's Voodoo Macbeth received a mixed to negative reception from critics, who were divided on its artistic merits and narrative coherence. While some appreciated Ferrara's signature gritty style and the film's atmospheric tension, many found the adaptation of Shakespeare's play to be unfocused and underdeveloped, struggling to translate the Bard's themes into a compelling modern context.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film's attempt to modernize Macbeth is ambitious but ultimately falls short due to a disjointed narrative.

  • Ferrara's distinctive visual style is present, but it fails to elevate the material.

  • The performances are uneven, and the overall impact is lessened by a lack of thematic clarity.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Voodoo Macbeth are largely unfavorable, with many viewers expressing disappointment in the film's confusing plot and lack of engaging characters. While some acknowledged the director's attempts at stylistic flair, the general sentiment is that the film fails to deliver a satisfying or coherent cinematic experience.

Fun Fact

The film was shot entirely on location in and around New York City, with Ferrara aiming for a raw and immediate aesthetic.

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