Flashback: Michael Fassbender's transformative journey from 'Hunger' to 'Macbeth'
Diving deep into the cinematic odyssey of Michael Fassbender – from his impactful performance in 'Hunger' to the Shakespearean challenges of 'Macbeth.'

Michael Fassbender (Source: People)
On any regular day, you'd probably expect the iconic tune of "Eye of the Tiger" to pump up a boxer or an athlete. But this time, it was the symphony for none other than Michael Fassbender, the prolific actor known for his audacious movie choices. As the music played in the background, he took us on a retrospective ride of his illustrious career.
Rediscovering Westerns through the Lenses of Fassbender
Back in 2015, the industry and fans alike were abuzz with Michael's latest offering – 'Slow West.' A fairy tale of a Western, unlike any we've seen before. Set in the untouched terrains of New Zealand, it aimed at mimicking the American frontier. “We were looking for that special kind of fairy tale element within the Western,” Fassbender shared. An ambition achieved with sheer brilliance, leading some to muse if New Zealand might become the new frontier for Westerns.
But the journey of 'Slow West' was even more personal for Michael. Revisiting the fond memories of his childhood, he recollected, "I was a boy and watching Westerns and being really engrossed in them. And at that young age thinking to myself how much I’d love to be in one.” His relationship with director John Maclean added to the film's magic. Their shared passion for the genre and the long incubation period of 'Slow West' is testimony to their combined brilliance.
From Shakespeare's Rogue to The Innovator of Our Time
From Cannes, Michael was excitedly awaiting the premiere of 'Macbeth' – a role he hadn't actively sought but couldn't resist once it came knocking. Partnering with Marion Cotillard and being directed by Justin Kurzel, the experience was unparalleled. He stated with admiration, “With Justin, it’s such a treat to watch him work... He’s doing exactly what he should be doing on this planet.”
Further ahead, Michael had bagged another significant role – the iconic Steve Jobs. While he hadn't seen the entire film at that point, his excitement was palpable. “Steve Jobs changed the way we live. It’s hard to comprehend just how integral he was in the way we live our lives now,” he shared. The film was set to shed light on Jobs' role not just in technology but also his impact on retail.
Where's Michael Now?
It's been a while since that insightful conversation with Fassbender. One cannot help but marvel at the cinematic range this powerhouse actor possesses. From daring Westerns to intense biopics, his choices have always stood out. Cannes' sparkling lights may have dimmed since then, but Michael Fassbender's star shines brighter than ever.
(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)
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