Now showing at four select theatres in the greater Toronto area is Coriolanus (D Films), a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragedy about the downfall of a powerful military hero.
Sound boring? It isn’t.
What makes Coriolanus an interesting movie is the modern interpretation given by first-time director Ralph Fiennes. Yes, THAT Ralph Fiennes. An actor of great dimension, Fiennes has proven, with this film, to be a fine director.
Coriolanus is a story of character driven conflict. Urban warfare provides a pounding backdrop for the conquests of Caius Martius Coriolanus, an arrogant, battle-scarred commander and product of a proud military family who listens only to a domineering mother. With pride and admiration she drives him to seek high political office despite his contempt for the downtrodden citizenry. His decision to comply with his mother’s ambitions leads to his tragic downfall.
Fiennes fills the leading role with an intimidating ferocity not often seen in movies. As actor/director he leads an equally powerful principal cast that includes Gerard Butler, Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Chastain and Brian Cox.
While written as a classical Roman tragedy, Fiennes interprets Coriolanus as a modern political drama, set in a modern urban war zone where the latest news from the front streams live on strategically-placed televisions and laptops. The media is a tool of war, as are the recorded videos documenting acts of murder that are sent as provocative messages to the enemy camp. This modern, high-tech and media savvy interpretation is what makes Coriolanus a cinematic gem relevant to contemporary audiences bombarded by 24/7 news coverage.
For many the language of Shakespeare, although beautiful and poetic, can be an impediment to fully understanding the finer details of story, dialogue and character motivation. Despite this inherent challenge, Fiennes delivers an action-packed drama full of riveting performances. As Coriolanus, Fiennes is relentlessly oppressive. Yet Vanessa Redgrave (as his mother), Jessica Chastain (as his wife) and Gerard Butler (as his fiercest enemy) stand up to him and hold their own in every scene.
My recommendation? Don’t let this movie’s Shakespearean dialogue keep you from seeing it. Sparks fly, the drama is intense. You won’t want to miss it.
My wish? That Fiennes directs another movie, soon.
Coriolanus is showing at the Varsity Cinema, in addition to theatres in North York, Scarborough and Oakville. Click here for locations and show times.
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See you at the movies.
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