Un homme respectable

While not the greatest modernization of a Shakespeare play, this movie is visually stunning and John Turturro can always be counted on to give a great performance. The fortune teller is a decent substitute for the 3 witches and the period sets and costumes are wonderful. I wouldn't recommend this movie if you are a die hard Shakespeare fan, but would if you love gangster flicks or interesting ideas.

What starts out as a well rounded, believable cast of mafioso family and associates and what is a pretty decent revenge story with lots of twists is mucked up by spiritual fluff, and a desire to be AL Pacino scarface by the lead man. The spiritual junk that has nothing to do with anything is just totally out of place. The free-fall descent from cold, calculated killers to loony tunes of the main character and his girlfriend makes no sense. Turturros girlfriend starts "sleep-walking" through their garden and talking about what they did is supposed to be believable? Clip about 30 minutes of hoo-hah out and this is a much better movie.

This is definitely worth checking out if you enjoy the story of "Macbeth". The challenge of turning the characters into mobsters was met well. It was done creatively, and it follows all the main points without cheating. John Tuturro and Peter Boyle are good; everyone else is fine. If this was a completely original work, it would rate lower, but I think it is very good considering what they were trying to do, and that's why it is ultimately satisfying. The other comments posted by another viewer are undeservedly harsh. It's a bum wrap. Again, if you like "Macbeth", this is pretty cool. If you love iambic pentameter and period pieces, go rent Roman Polanski's version of "Macbeth", or something of Shakespeare's with Kenneth Brannagh.

Checked this film out because of a positive review in the New York Times. Really captures the spirit of the Bard's play in a modern gangster setting. Doesn't romanticize the gangster life like other contemporary films in the genre. Doesn't pull any punches. Goes for the jugular instead, literally. Easy to see how top of the line actors like Stieger, Turturro, Boyle, Farina and Tucci were attracted to this low budget project. A daring experiment which shows how the themes and narratives of Shakespeare transcend time and place, Dark. Stylish. Intense. Very original adaptation with real flair. Would love to see it projected wide screen in a revival but will settle for the DVD release for the time being.

Imagine the pitch: A classic tale of betrayal, murder, deception - taking power by any means necessary. It's Macbeth - but set in the ever attractive world of American gangsters! William Shakespeare's Goodfellas! The story does lend itself to the setting unfortunately it is very boring, poorly acted and no real flair or excitment that other gangster pictures manage. It's full of good actors - none of whom are any good because they are constrained by a poor script and poor direction.

Don't watch this - go to the theatre and watch MacBeth instead.