Macbeth in Compton is an impressive short film from director, producer, and writer Page Kennedy. The film is a ’90s-era adaptation and urbanized retelling of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” Focusing on the plot to overthrow King Duncan, the film takes a gritty, lyrical jab at the setting, shifting it to Compton during the height of West Coast rap.
Driven by a prophecy and pushed by his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth murders King Duncan during a stay at their castle. Macbeth frames the king’s guards and seizes the throne. It’s a power grab of poetic proportions. But here’s where it gets creative.
Set in Compton, Mac (Page Kennedy) just signed a record deal with Skid Row Records. The label’s CEO, Duncan (Russell Hornsby), seals the deal with an oversized gold chain (very ’90s) with a charm reminiscent of the old Death Row Records. Influenced by his overzealous girlfriend and former rapper, Lady M (Candace Renee), a plan is established to kill Duncan when he spends the night at their house.
I know some audiences feel like subtitles create a disconnect if deemed unnecessary. But here, its usage was phenomenal. You may hear, “He that’s coming must be provided for,” but the caption will read, “Duncan getting’ handled tonight.” After an intense exchange where Mac’s manhood was called out, he says, “Pray thee peace!” with the accompanying caption: “You better shut yo ass up!” The Elizabethan-to-Compton translation could only be perfected with the use of subtitles.
A Dickies outfit, a 40 oz, and rolling papers were telltale signs of a scene taking place in Southern California. The oversized chain, with an emblem similar to Death Row Records, was the final stamp of authenticity for a short in ’90s Compton. Sure, there was the famous “Hollywood” sign in the hills and the palm trees, but the regional signifiers (the 40, Dickies, etc.) let you know exactly where they were.
A vulgar freestyle by Lady M sets the tone for an intense, emotional encounter once Mac gets home. Audiences get to experience the uninhibited ambitions of Lady M clash with Mac’s cautious approach to the subject. The dissonance was glaring, but after an unexpected sexual encounter and a few encouraging words, the couple found themselves aligned on Duncan’s removal.
Macbeth in Compton gets an 8.5 out of 10. It was creative in both concept and execution. Although fully clothed, the sex scene seemed a bit unnecessary. At just 19 minutes, the runtime doesn’t extend enough to tell the story as intended. While we as an audience get to experience the inevitable, the story unfortunately feels woefully unfinished. Aside from that, this is the type of project that makes film festivals special. It’s why you attend: to experience something new and fresh. Fresh ideas and concepts are the hallmarks of a good film festival, and having entered and made its presence felt at the likes of BronzeLens, it’s easy to see why films like this are needed.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Page Kennedy
Category: Short
Country: USA
Director: Page Kennedy
Cast: Page Kennedy, Russell Hornsby, Candace Renee, Johnathan Johnson, and Tommy Edery
Runtime: 19 mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: Currently running the festival circuit