The Film: Lady Macbeth (United Kingdom)
What's it about?
The film is called Lady Macbeth, but it's not a literal depiction of Shakespeare's Macbeth. It's sort of a spiritual cousin to that. It's set in Scotland in the 1800's and it's about this woman who is essentially purchased into this wealthy land-owning Scottish family. She's made the wife to the heir of the estate just for sexual purposes and to give him an heir. The film asks, "What do you do when all of society is against you and you're in a situation where you have no power?" What she does is she turns to these acts of violence.
Did you like it?
It's beautifully photographed. The acting is tremendous. It's all shot meticulously well. The Scottish countryside is gorgeous. The lines that she's willing to cross to achieve agency and to be her own person are incredible and it's thrilling to watch. It's my absolute favourite film at TIFF so far.
To me, the film spoke a lot to now. Look at how society is stacked against People of Colour and women. It speaks to the idea of being pushed and pushed into a corner and not allowing the world to steamroll over you.
Matthew Price is the co-presenter & programmer of Musicale - a new monthly film series that showcases musicals from the 50's to present at the Royal Cinema. They recently screened Prince's Sign 'O' the Times, Victor/Victoria and Car Wash.
Follow Matthew on Twitter.
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