Michael Fassbender’s “Macbeth” movie dubbed a triumph at Cannes

IRISH CENTRAL
Debbie McGoldrick @irishcentral May 29,2015 01:26 AM


Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

Michael Fassbender joined the stars at the Cannes Film Festival to premiere his latest, Macbeth, which he admits he didn’t even see prior to Saturday.

“I’m going to be seeing it with everyone else at the premiere … I can tell you that Marion [Cotillard] as Lady Macbeth is incredible. I know that from being across from her during the scenes. She’s mesmerizing,” Fass told Entertainment Weekly.

The critics absolutely agreed. The film got some stellar reviews, including this rave from the U.K.’s Telegraph: “After seeing Fassbender and Cotillard in these roles, the thought of ever seeing anyone else play them fades into irrelevance.”

READ MORE HERE: http://www.irishcentral.com/news/irishvoice/Michael-Fassbenders-Macbeth-movie-dubbed-a-triumph-at-Cannes.html#

Michael Fassbender on making 'Macbeth': 'the Scottish film'

THE DENVER POST
By Jake Coyle AP Film Writer
POSTED:   05/22/2015 05:22:09 AM MDT




CANNES, France (AP) — Michael Fassbender doesn't know if the "Macbeth" curse carries over to movie adaptations, but he'd rather not test it.

"The Scottish film" is what Michael Fassbender calls his "Macbeth" adaption, which is set to premiere Saturday at the Cannes Film Festival. He's maintaining the theatrical superstition of not speaking the name of Shakespeare's play — at least he wasn't in an interview ahead of the festival.

"Sometimes I say it, sometimes I don't," Fassbender said. "It depends on the day."

"Macbeth," usually referred to by the euphemism "the Scottish play" by actors wary of its legendary spell, will be the final film to screen in competition at Cannes. Directed by Australian director Justin Kurzel and co-starring Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth, it has been eagerly awaited as the blood-soaked finale of the French Riviera festival, which concludes Sunday with the presentation of the Palme d'Or top prize.

Although interpreting Shakespeare is a traditional rite of passage for any British Isles actor of ambition, it wasn't a priority for Fassbender, the Oscar-nominated actor of "12 Years a Slave," ''Shame" and the "X-Men" films. The film marks the first entry into Shakespeare, on stage or screen, by the German-born, Ireland-raised Fassbender.


READ MORE HERE: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28169019/michael-fassbender-making-macbeth-scottish-film

Michael Fassbender's Hollywood superstardom showing no signs of slowing down

FANSHARE
PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 28, 2014 20:40



There are a lot of hugely talented German-Irish man stars in the acting industry these days, with many of them considered some of the most sought after stars in Hollywood, taking on some of the biggest roles around. One of the biggest German stars in Hollywood right now, is the handsome actor Michael Fassbender, who has enjoyed a huge rise to Hollywood superstardom over the years.



Over the years, we have seen Michael Fassbender taking on some very impressive roles, in some very exciting movies, giving us some fantastic performances along the way. During the course of his career, we have seen Michael appearing in movies such as 300, Inglorious Basterds, X-Men: First Class, Prometheus, 12 Years a Slave, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Frank, to name just a few.

Michael Fassbender is far from finished yet though, as his Hollywood career is showing no signs of slowing down, with plenty of impressive movie roles coming in the next few years. Michael will appear in the movies Trespass Against Us, The Light Between Oceans, Slow West, Macbeth, and an untitled Terrence Malick project, which are all in production. Meanwhile, Fassbender will also appear in Irish Myths, Assassin's Creed, Prometheus 2, and X-Men: Apocalypse, which are all in development.


READ MORE HERE: http://www.fansshare.com/news/michael-fassbender-s-hollywood-superstardom-showing-no-signs-of-slowing-down/

Michael Fassbender’s movie magic is award-worthy

LARNE TIMES



Michael Fassbender’s Larne uncle says it is only a matter of time before his famous nephew wins a major award.

Speaking exclusively to The Times the day after he saw his nephew star as Magneto in the new Xmen movie Days of Future Past, local man Mike Collins stated: “I took my son to see Xmen last night.

“To be honest, I’m not a big Xmen fan, but the movie I saw last night was brilliant.”

The most recent installation in the Xmen blockbuster franchise sees Xmen characters from the past and present unite to fight for the survival of their species.

Michael and his parents

Michael Fassbender has a special link to Larne, as his mother Adele is from the area and he regularly visited his grandparents at the town’s Wellington Parade during his childhood.

Michael was born in Germany, his father’s native land, before his family moved to Kilarney.

His uncle Mike recalled: “Michael would have been here on numerous occasions – Christmas, family get togethers.

“The last time he was in Larne would have been four years ago for my wedding reception at Ballygally castle.

Michael and his dad

“He always wanted to be an actor, since he was very young – since primary and secondary school he was always involved in some form of acting and drama.

“He was also a bit of a musician and played everything, including the guitar, which he still plays.”

Mike says that the family is very proud of their famous son, who worked ‘very, very hard‘ to make it in Hollywood.

He continued: “I thought he was brilliant in 12 Years A Slave and in Hunger.

“He has had some brilliant roles, but 12 Years A Slave is probably my favourite.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.larnetimes.co.uk/news/fassbender-s-movie-magic-is-award-worthy-1-6114545

Michael Fassbender admits to Macbeth doubts

INDEPENDENT WOMAN
May 25, 2014

The X-Men star portrays the anti-hero in Justin Kurzel's big screen adaptation of William Shakespeare's play, alongside Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth.

"(It was) scary. I hope I did justice to it. It's pretty big boots to fill," he said.

Actors who have previously played Macbeth on stage and film include Orson Welles, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Kenneth Branagh.

The drama, which is set for release in 2015, also stars Southcliffe's Bafta-winning actor Sean Harris as Macduff, Elizabeth Debicki as Lady Macduff and Paddy Considine as Macbeth's ally Banquo.



READ MORE HERE: http://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/fassbender-admits-to-macbeth-doubts-30302727.html

Richard Armitage: New audiobook recasts 'Hamlet' as a thriller

LAS CRUCES SUN NEWS
Mark Kennedy AP Drama Writer
POSTED:   05/20/2014 06:00:46 AM MDT



(Eds: 'Hamlet: Prince of Denmark' available for download beginning Tuesday. With AP Photos.)
NEW YORK (AP) — The hero of a new audiobook is introduced as he lies in bed, tying to sleep on a frigid day in 1601.

He's the heir to the Danish throne, a tall handsome man of 27 with "a pale, finely chiseled face" and "mournful eyes that were the pale gray-blue of the sea in autumn."

"To hell with the throne," the young man says, pulling the sheets over his head when a court jester comes to awaken him. "I want to sleep. Forever."

Not familiar with this guy? You should be. His name is Hamlet.

Audible Inc., the world's largest seller of downloadable audiobooks, has followed the success of their recent novelization of "Macbeth" with a new thriller about the moody prince of Elsinore.

"Hamlet: Prince of Denmark," co-written by Shakespeare expert and novelist A. J. Hartley and British mystery writer David Hewson, was released Tuesday, narrated by "The Hobbit" actor Richard Armitage.

It's a fresh, contemporary take on Shakespeare's tragedy, one not afraid to create new characters or cut long soliloquies. We get a noirish Hamlet, who, when asked by Laertes if he's ready to fence, blurts out: "I've been ready all my life."

The writers admit they're a little nervous about the reaction they'll get for this "Game of Thrones"-like portrait of a slightly bipolar Hamlet who never utters the line "To be or not to be."

 READ MORE HERE: http://www.lcsun-news.com/portal/las_cruces-sunlife/ci_25798021/new-audiobook-recasts-hamlet-thriller?_loopback=1

Online: http://www.audible.com/mt/Hamlet

Moscow’s magnetic pull for Michael: Fassbender does the tourist thing and pops a snap or two around the Russian capital

EVOKE
May 17, 2014



He’s one of the biggest movie stars in the world, but when it comes to sight seeing Michael Fassbender is just like the rest of us: a goofy tourist.

The 37-year-old actor was spotted taking in the beauties of Russia’s capital city on Friday, just days after walking the red carpet at the Moscow premiere of his latest film X-Men: Days Of Future Past.

Dressed smartly in a pair of black dress shoes, jeans, a white shirt and crisp black suit jacket, the Irish star was indistinguishable from any other tourist.

As he walked around the picturesque Red Square accompanied by several security guards, Fassbender didn’t hesitate to crouch down and take the odd snap.

It was a decidedly upbeat side of the Oscar-nominated performer, who is best known for taking on dark and dramatic roles – such as that of mutant leader Magneto in the X-Men franchise.

The actor plays a younger version of the character in the two most recent installments in the franchise, with the role previously being filled by Sir Ian McKellan.


READ MORE HERE: http://www.evoke.ie/michael-fassbender-tourist-around-moscow/

FIRST LOOK: Michael Fassbender as glowering Macbeth with Marion Cotillard as his blood-stained Lady

MAIL ON-LINE
By AMELIA PROUD
PUBLISHED: 00:58 EST, 15 May 2014 | UPDATED: 04:40 EST, 15 May 2014



There couldn't be a more salivating prospect than Michael Fassbender as Shakespeare's aspirant Macbeth and Marion Cotillard as his manipulative Lady.

And a first look at the posters for the 2015 movie version of the cursed Scottish play - directed by Justin Kurzel - does nothing to quell the appetite

'It’s the first time I’ve played a character with no light, total darkness,' Marion Cotillard told Variety recently of playing Lady Macbeth.

'And when she loses control … I’m affected by the character I live with when I’m shooting, so I lost control of everything, like her, and it was really hard to handle.'

She also told The Independent: 'The depth of humanity in her – but it’s all driven away by fear and despair. How you do things to have a better life – but when they are against humanity, you will fail.'

And she has faith in her co-star: 'I saw a lot of movies [Fassbender] was in, and I have the feeling he’s reached another level here.

'When you start a scene and you don’t really know where you’re going to go, that’s a roller-coaster. Many times I was surprised by what he does in this movie, and this is priceless.'




Read more: http://fixmoneyy2minutes.com/tvshowbiz/article-2628955/Michael-Fassbender-glowering-Macbeth-Marion-Cotillard-blood-stained-Lady.html#ixzz31sl9WyYC 
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Michael Fassbender & Marion Cotillard Bring Shakespeare To Life With New Image From 'Macbeth'

THE PLAYLIST (INDIEWIRE)
BY KEVIN JAGERNAUTH
APRIL 28, 2014 10:05 AM



For any students out there who will face the task of reading Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in the future, cheating by watch the movie version just got a whole lot more interesting. Not that we condone not reading one of literature's greatest works, but if you do decide to take a shortcut, Justin Kurzel's cinematic take may be the one to track down.

Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard lead the way in this highly anticipated film, and the actress is already finding human tragedy and flaws in Lady Macbeth. “The depth of humanity in her – but it’s all driven away by fear and  despair. How you do things to have a better  life – but when they are against humanity, you will fail,” she told The Independent earlier this year.

READ MORE HERE: http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/michael-fassbender-marion-cotillard-bring-shakespeare-to-life-with-new-image-from-macbeth-20140428

Images from Macbeth…Starring Michael Fassbender!

QUICK HIT FLIX
BY ZERO BIRD APRIL 18, 2014 NEWS



This upcoming version of Macbeth not only stars Fassbender (X-Men: First Class, Hunger) and Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose), but is being directed by Justin Kurzel, who directed the very heavy Snowtown Murders, which if you haven’t seen, you need to. These first couple of images are gorgeous and I can’t wait to see some footage.

READ MORE HERE: http://quickhitflix.com/images-this-time-macbeth-starring-michael-fassbender/

Michael Fassbender At War On 'Macbeth' Set In Rainy Surrey (PHOTOS)

E. ENTERTAINMENT
By Shaun Kitchener On January 31, 2014



Michael Fassbender can be seen rehearsing an epic battle scene in new snaps from the set of a new Macbeth adaptation.

The British actor, currently lapping up plaudits for his supporting role in 12 Years A Slave, will play the titular role in the latest big-screen attempt at William Shakespeare's play, and soggy Farnham, Surrey, was the destination of choice today for the filming of one combat sequence.

We're guessing the cameras weren't rolling at this particular moment - given that Michael was wrapped up warmly in waterproof gear and a baby blue bobble hat. Probably not the costume of choice for Macbeth; a fictional King of England.

Read more at http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/139647/Michael-Fassbender-At-War-On-Macbeth-Set-In-Rainy-Surrey-PHOTOS#ih05LU5SE6EIhxQ2.99

Sean Bean is playing Macbeth in a dark new reimagining

i09
November 13, 2013




Check out our first look at Sean Bean as the Scottish lord misled by witches, Macbeth, in a brand new movie, Enemy of Man. See also some pictures of James D'Arcy as Banquo.

READ MORE HERE:http://io9.com/sean-bean-is-playing-macbeth-in-a-dark-new-reimagining-1463863189

Macbeth Adaptation ‘Enemy Of Man’ To Star Rupert Grint, Sean Bean

THE INQUISITOR
September 6 2013

One of the darkest Shakespeare characters, Macbeth will come to life once again in the form of British actor Sean Bean. Harry Potter star Rupert Grint and Game Of Thrones’ Charles Dance will join the cast of Enemy Of Man, the new Vincent Regan film.

Kaleidoscope Film Distribution has sealed the deal as the film’s worldwide distributor and it will start its pitch during the Toronto International Film Festival, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The new adaptation is set to start filming in January 2014.

Also starring are Jason Flemyng (X-Men: First Class), James D’Arcy (Cloud Atlas), Neil Maskell (Kill List), and Joe Gilgun (This is England).

The film is being labelled as a retelling of the classic story of a brave Scottish general named Macbeth, who receives a prophecy from three witches who tell him that one day he will become King of Scotland. This fuels his ambition and he stops at nothing to make the prediction come true.


Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/938946/macbeth-adaptation-enemy-of-man-to-star-rupert-grint-sean-bean/#ziD4144HRqXYQ0xy.99

Marion Cotillard Set to Topline ‘Macbeth’ Opposite Michael Fassbender

VARIETY
Elsa Keslassy
@elsakeslassy

French star Marion Cotillard, who won an Oscar for her performance in Edith-Piaf biopic “La Vie en Rose,” is set to take the leading role in Justin Kurzel’s “Macbeth.”  She replaces Natalie Portman who was announced for the part at Cannes.

Cotillard will play opposite Michael Fassbender (“Shame”).

One of Shakespeare’s most famous characters, “Macbeth” is the story of a fearless warrior and inspiring leader, set amid the war-torn 11th Century Scotland.

The romance-filled epic is produced by Iain Canning and Emile Sherman at See-Saw Films. The pair’s production credits include Oscar-winning “The King’s Speech” and “Shame.”

“Cotillard has proven extraordinary versatility through her stunning performances in ’La Vie en Rose’ and ‘Rust and Bone.’ Casting her as Lady Macbeth alongside Michael Fassbender will bring a fresh and exciting dynamic to the story of lovers pulled apart by war and ambition,” said Canning.

READ MORE HERE: http://variety.com/2013/film/international/marion-cotillard-set-to-topline-macbeth-1200583612/

Tom Hiddleston Talks Shakespeare, THOR & AVENGERS

BROADWAY WORLD
Tuesday, August 20, 2013; 06:08 PM - by Pat Cerasaro

Film superstar and dedicated thespian Tom Hiddleston discusses his integral role in the forthcoming four-film Shakespeare series premiering on PBS later this Fall, dubbed THE HOLLOW CROWN, as well as his AVENGERS and THOR roles, as part of a new interview.

Hiddleston first remarks upon his first experience with the Bard, relating, "My first Shakespearean production I ever saw, I was 13 years old. It was the RSC, A Midsummer Night's Dream. I thought some bits were funny but, to be honest, a lot of it went over my head, and it was really being taken to see Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing and sort of being dragged, kicking and screaming because it wasn't an action film and then go, "'Oh. Denzel Washington and Keanu Reeves are in this. Oh. This is hilarious and I understand everything and it's great.'"

He adds of his affection for Baz Luhrmann's wildly imaginative re-telling of Romeo & Juliet, "I was 15 when Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet came out so it's as if he made that film for me. The soundtrack to that film was my soundtrack. Romeo or Juliet, I can't remember which character, one of them is actually supposed to be 15 and it seemed so romantic and so true."


READ MORE HERE: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Hiddleston-Talks-Shakespeare-THOR-AVENGERS-20130820

Kenneth Branagh to Make New York Stage Debut in ‘Macbeth’

WALL STREET JOURNAL
By Pia Catton
August 20, 2013

Kenneth Branagh will make his New York stage debut in June 2014, but don’t look for him on Broadway: His “Macbeth” is heading to the Upper East Side’s Park Avenue Armory.

The production originated in England at the Manchester International Festival, which co-commissioned the play with the Park Avenue Armory. Branagh starred as Macbeth and directed the play with Rob Ashford (“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”). Starring opposite Branagh in New York will be former Royal Shakespeare Company member Alex Kingston (“ER”) as Lady Macbeth.

In Manchester, the production took place in a deconsecrated church, with several parts of the space used. In New York, it will be adapted to the 55,000-square-foot drill hall, but is likely to replicate the runway stage and the intensity of the original. “The action happens so fast. The battles are right on top of you,” said Rebecca Robertson, president and executive producer of the Park Avenue Armory. “The production elements are simple, but it’s so stark and you just feel a part of it.”

READ MORE HERE: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/08/20/kenneth-branagh-makes-new-york-stage-debut-with-macbeth/

Macbeth: Anne-Marie Duff to make her Broadway debut (NEW YORK THEATRE GUIDE)

Lincoln Center Theater has announced that the Bafta and Olivier Award nominated British actress Anne-Marie Duff will make her New York stage debut as 'Lady Macbeth,' starring opposite Ethan Hawke, in its upcoming production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, directed by Jack O’Brien.

The production will open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on 21 Nov 2013, following previews from 24 Oct 2013, and playing through to 12 Jan 2014.

Additional casting for Macbeth will be announced at a later date.

When three witches tell Macbeth that he is destined to occupy the throne of Scotland, he and his wife choose to become the instruments of their fate and to kill the first man standing in their path, the virtuous King Duncan. But to maintain his position, Macbeth must keep on killing – first Banquo, his old comrade-in-arms; then, as the atmosphere of guilt and paranoia thickens, anyone who seems to threaten his tyrant’s crown.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news/jl13/macbeth558073.htm

Kenneth Branagh live Q&A – ask your questions now! (THE GUARDIAN) Andrew Dickson guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 17 July 2013 06.21 EDT

The star of stage and screen will be joining us live online on 18 July to talk Macbeth in Manchester. So what do you want to know?

Scottish power ... Kenneth Branagh in Macbeth at the Manchester international festival Photograph: Johan Persson

Since he burst on to the scene as an impetuous Henry V at the Royal Shakespeare Company in the mid-1980s, there isn't much Kenneth Branagh hasn't done: directed, written and starred in big-budget Hollywood movies, set up his own touring theatre troupe, rivalled Olivier in popular, cinematic Shakespeare – not to mention brought a touch of glowering Scandinavian noir to these shores in the British version of Wallander.

Branagh currently bestrides the stage as Macbeth at the Manchester international festival, his first time doing live Shakespeare in a decade: it's a visceral production for which a deconsecrated Victorian church has been stripped bare and filled with churning mud (the fight scenes are so full-blooded that one of the cast ended up in A&E last week). The Telegraph called it a "thrilling, cinematically fluid account"; the Guardian's Michael Billington compared Branagh's own performance to Olivier. Tickets for the live performance have long since sold out, but the production will be streamed live to cinemas in the UK and Ireland this Sunday, 20 July, and to cinemas around the world in October.

READ ABOUT THE LIVE Q & A HERE: http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2013/jul/17/kenneth-branagh-live-q-and-a

Macbeth actor 'injured by Kenneth Branagh' in battle scene (TELEGRAPH) By Hayley Dixon2:53PM BST 12 Jul 2013

The actor was fighting Sir Kenneth in the cursed play when he was hit with one of the real swords which are used for the battle scenes, audience members said.

He was checked over by on-site medics and continued with the performance, but after the curtain dropped he was taken to hospital to be checked over.

A spokeswoman for the Manchester International Festival said that they are unable to confirm the rumour that the unnamed actor was injured with Sir Kenneth’s sword due to the number of cast involved in the scenes.

The injured man was not one of the "big stars" in the acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, she added.

Sir Kenneth, who co-directs and stars in the production in a deconsecrated church, has admitted that it is not the dramatic battle scenes in the play are risky.

“There is enormous concentration,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “It is impossible to say that it is without danger. Metal clashes, sparks literally fly.”

READ ,MORE HERE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/10176247/Macbeth-actor-injured-by-Kenneth-Branagh-in-battle-scene.html

Sir Kenneth Branagh's Macbeth impresses in Manchester (BBC NEWS)

Sir Kenneth Branagh's first appearance as Macbeth has confirmed him to be an "intemperately exciting Shakespearean actor" in what is a "great" production of the play, critics have decided.

Macbeth is Sir Kenneth's first Shakespeare role on stage for 11 years.

It is being staged in a 281-capacity deconsecrated church in Manchester.

The Guardian critic Michael Billington said: "The highest compliment I can pay him is that at times he evoked golden memories of Olivier in the role."

The play begins with a full-blooded battle scene in driving rain, in which sparks fly as the warriors clash swords.

The stage - essentially a mud-filled trough - runs the length of the church, with the audience close to the action on banks of benches on either side.

Spectators were warned not to wear their "best, light coloured, dry-clean only" clothes in case they got splattered by the mud from the earthy and violent production, which is part of the Manchester International Festival.

Mr Billington wrote that "we seem to be in the thick of the rain-soaked, mud-spattered opening battles".

"This is an exciting production that shows why Branagh is such a fine Shakespearean actor," he told newspaper readers. "He can do the soaring vocal cries but he is also sensitive to the minutiae of language."

Alex Kingston and Kenneth Branagh

Dominic Cavendish
The Telegraph
The actor also "conveys the desolation and despair of a man who has sold his soul only to be confronted by the hollowness of tyrannical power", he wrote.

In The Telegraph, critic Dominic Cavendish declared it a "thrilling, cinematically fluid account" of Macbeth that "doesn't hold back in plunging us into the harrowing grime of battle".

"As the earthy playing-area turns into a bog, as drums beat and swords clash, something stirs in the memory. Oh yes, Shakespeare can be really exciting, can't he?" he wrote.

Sir Kenneth "shows us the vestigial civilisation beneath the martial exterior", according to his five-star review.

"This is a Macbeth, though, that won't just go down as a highlight of the Manchester International Festival but as one of the Scottish Play's great revivals.

"It's a phoenix-like feather in the cap of Sir Ken, too, comeback Shakespearean king.


READ MORE HERE:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23210168