The Tragedy of Macbeth premiere: On the red carpet with Harry Melling, Corey Hawkins, Alex Hassell, Robert Gilbert, Richard Short and Bruno Delbonnel

The Tragedy of Macbeth is Joel Coen’s first solo directing gig minus his brother Ethan. Shot in eerie black-and-white, it’s a stripped-back invocation of the Bard’s ever-fascinating text. At its centre are Denzel Washington and Coen’s real-life partner, the one-and-only Frances McDormand, as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respectively.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of hearing from some of the cast on the red carpet at the BFI London Film Festival 2021.

Harry Melling, best known for playing Dudley as a youngster in the Harry Potter films, told us about his character of Malcolm, what it was like working with Coen for the second time after The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and what he thinks the enduring appeal of Shakespeare is.

Straight Outta Compton actor Corey Hawkins shared his experience of playing Macduff.

Alex Hassell, who stars as Ross, spoke about what he sees as the film’s otherworldly, timeless quality.

Robert Gilbert, who takes on the role of Angus, spoke about what audiences can expect from the look and feel of the film.

Richard Short, who plays Siward, shared his views on Coen’s take: “If Orson Welles were around today and did a version of Macbeth, it would be this.”

Cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel shared some of the rationale behind shooting in black and white.

Sarah Bradbury
Videos: Marta Starczynowska

The Tragedy of Macbeth is released in select cinemas on 17^th October 2021. Read our review here. Watch the press conference here.

Read more reviews and interviews from our London Film Festival 2021 coverage here.

For further information about the festival visit the official BFI website here.

Watch the trailer for The Tragedy of Macbeth here: