The Soliloquy (2012) User Reviews

Superlative!

[JohnDLambert · 10/10 · 24 April 2012]

You need to be familiar with Shakespeare's Macbeth to fully appreciate this short, but if you are, you can't help but be impressed by how well it's been translated into a modern setting. Note that it's not a simple retelling, but an interesting mix of original dialog with contemporary characters, and with great detail paid to the visuals,the audio effects, and the soundtrack. Despite it being only a little over eight minutes long, it's so rich you can watch it over and over again and see more subtleties each time you watch it. This is real entertainment, not merely amusement. I suspect many who watch this version of The Soliloquy who aren't already familiar with Macbeth will be compelled to learn the whole story. Overall, I have no complaints. It's simply a delight to watch!

Nuggets to be found.

[rnewcomb · 10/10 · 28 April 2012]

For a short amount of time, the film pulls you in with layers of meaning and treats to find. Every time I've seen the film, I've found a new take-away. Though it helps having an appreciation of Shakespeare, it can be a stand alone film. The film is beautifully executed and is a strong sense of what else is to come by this team. From the shots chosen, to the deep acting. It is apparent that it was a labor of love, as they took the proper time needed. The attention given to this film, was shown on screen. It is a film that makes you think, and is very cerebral. The beauty is in the details. Looking forward to more!

What else is next for these guys? Sky's the limit...

Terrific example of Classical modernism!

[bbcasting · 10/10 · 24 May 2012]

What an interesting and intense piece of fiImmaking. I enjoyed watching this short. It was well produced and executed, mind the pun. Enjoyed all the elements that went into making it a terrific short. Congrats to Josh Murray, and his cast and crew for capturing such nice imagery. From Exorcist like statues to DC landmarks to crystal clear waters, it all kept moving. All very powerful. I met Josh recently at the IFFFest in Hollywood where we were screening our Hamlet-based first person doc and am glad to see his work here. Literate and imaginative filmmaking of classically structured text. No duh! Josh has a strong baritone voice which resonates well with the grating action portrayed. Would like to see him perform some of the other speeches from the play. Here's hoping that this is lucky to him. Congrats. From, Alex Hyde-White

A Shakespearean Thriller

[evancinema · 7/10 · 8 May 2012]

The Soliloquy describes itself as Shakespearean, given its title, but the visual, modern-day telling of the story is a film in its own right. This adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth takes a moment from the multifaceted story and adds layers upon layers of visual psychology into a non-linear, short psychological thriller. Imagine the depth of Shakespeare melded with the suspense of Hitchcock. Though relying on the dialogue to drive the story at times, the images used to describe Macbeth's plight are poetically woven together to flood your mind with an intense psychological battle. The Soliloquy is a truly unique work of art, layering Macbeth to be more tangible and complex to the modern man than seen before on the Shakespeare stage.

To Be or Not To Be

[thomas-shaw-542-322924 · 7/10 · 14 May 2012]

This is a definite To Be!

Well done modern adaptation of the Bard's MacBeth. I wish all of Shakespeare been learned in the fashion when I was learning the Bard's plays.

Each viewing takes pulls you deeper into the story. There are layers that you miss the first time, that you will notice the second time around.

The symbolism is used well and enhances the story set in Modern Day Washington, DC.

If at all possible watch this in HD and a wide screen. It was far better on a 27" Apple LED than on a MacBook Pro.

I look forward to more from Josh and Category 3 Pictures.