Even in the context of a zoom interview, it’s hard to fathom why there are so few television and film credits on Kathryn Hunter’s resume. A staple of the British theater world, she won an Olivier Award three decades ago, has has a transfixing presence that is almost impossible to ignore. And likely the primary reason Joel Coen decided to cast her as the Witches in his interpretation of “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”

READ MORE: “The Tragedy Of Macbeth”: Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand are fearless in Joel Coen’s adaptation [NYFF Review]

Hunter’s performance is arguably the best in a cast that features Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand and Brendan Gleeson.

Continue reading Kathryn Hunter Kept The Witches At A Boil For ‘Tragedy of Macbeth’ [Interview] at The Playlist.

The New York Film Critics Circle announced their annual year-end honors, giving an awards season boost to one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year, Ryusuke Hamaguchi‘s “Drive My Car.” Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog” took three honors including Best Director, Best Actor (Benedict Cumberbatch), and Best Supporting Actor (Kodi Smit-McPhee). For those paying attention, it’s worth noting the NYFCC’s top pick hasn’t won the Oscar for Best Picture since “The Artist” 10 years ago, but every winner has been nominated in the category.

Continue reading New York Film Critics Circle Choose ‘Drive My Car’ As Best Film at The Playlist.

The plot for “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” adapted from William Shakespeare’s classic play, is almost too familiar to waste space for explanation. Even so, the basic premise sees Lord Macbeth (Denzel Washington), a well-respected soldier, spurred by three witches’ prophecy and the aspirations of his wife, the Machiavellian Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand), transfixed by an ambition for the Scottish crown.

Continue reading ‘The Tragedy Of Macbeth’: Denzel Washington & Frances McDormand Are Fearless In Joel Coen’s Bleak, But Thrilling Adaptation [NYFF Review] at The Playlist.