Michael Fassbender plays the lead role in the new big screen adaptation of Shakespeare's "Macbeth." (Photo : YouTube)
"Macbeth" star Michael Fassbender, 38, one of Hollywood's most bankable actors at the moment, just proved he can play the classic Shakespearean character with aplomb.
It is not the first time that Fassbender noted for his provocative portrayal of roles that do not spell out everything for movie audiences has tackled a character embodying pure evil. The German-Irish actor played the role of a brutal plantation owner in "12 Years a Slave" and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The "X-Men" and "Steve Jobs" star, who has shown versatility tackling various roles from a hunger striker, a powerful mutant, a humanoid android to the iconic Apple CEO Steve Jobs, clearly is not leaving any stone unturned.
The latest adaptation of the Shakespearean play premiered to an eager audience at the 68th Cannes Film Festival. It may not have gotten the plum awards at the prestigious festival, but the high level of excitement for the film remains. Fassbender gave an impeccable performance, as Variety put it.
"Macbeth" is directed by Justin Kurzel, who pared down much of the Shakespearean dialogues, but retained the "brutal beating heart" of the classic literature revolving around power, murder and betrayal, according to Sunday Express.
The Australian director was able to channel the inner beast from Fassbender, as required by the role of the Scottish lord who is led to commit murder with the prodding of Lady Macbeth.
After arousing moviegoers' appetite to catch the Bard's tragedy on the big screen, Fassbender and his "Macbeth" leading lady Marion Cotillard will reteam soon for "Assassin's Creed."
If 2011 was a breakout year for Fassbender with films like "X-Men: First Class" plus the historical dramas "Jane Eyre" and "A Dangerous Method," the current and succeeding years are likely to catapult him to big star status.
"Macbeth" is set to hit theaters on Oct. 2 in the United Kingdom.
