Shakespeare’s works have frequently been brought to the screen, but rarely with this kind of visceral, terrible beauty, and with such a talented cast and crew. Director Justin Kurzel’s vision of the harsh world in which a good man goes murderous is stunning and unforgettable.

The cinematographer is Adam Arkapaw. Michael Fassbender is utterly convincing in his portrayal of the ambitious title character’s guilt-ridden descent into madness, and a haunting Marion Cotillard is a triumph of fire and ice as Lady Macbeth. The Bard would be glad to add this to his filmography. (113 min)