Coriolanus (2012)
Violence, mature themes and infrequent coarse language
| Director: | Ralph Fiennes |
| Actors: | Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Jessica Chastain, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave, James Nesbitt |
War hero General Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes) is poised to become a powerful leader within the republic, but is out-manoeuvred by political opponents and banished. Bitter and vengeful, Coriolanus swears allegiance to the enemy Aufidius (Gerard Butler) and returns to Rome at the head of an invading army.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 122mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
From man to dragon
by Simon Miraudo, 6/03/2012 10:08:00 AM
But what Ralph Fiennes really wants to do is direct. The Oscar nominated thesp makes his directorial debut with a modern retelling of William Shakespeare's Coriolanus, featuring much of the Bard's original prose intact. It must be a passion project because a) there is a real ferocity to the storytelling, and b) I cannot imagine this being atop anyone's 'to do' list, and would have likely never seen the light of day unless there was a producer seriously pushing for it. The resulting product is a bit of a feathered fish, but it's a unique cinematic experience with a superb cast, so what more can we really ask for? Though the world of Coriolanus looks and feels like ours, it actually takes place in a parallel universe where Rome is at war with the Volscian army. Roman general Caius Martius ...
But what Ralph Fiennes really wants to do is direct. The Oscar nominated thesp makes his directorial debut with a modern retelling of William Shakespeare's Coriolanus, featuring much of the Bard's original prose intact. It must be a passion project because a) there is a real ferocity to the storytelling, and b) I cannot imagine this being atop anyone's 'to do' list, and would have likely never seen the light of day unless there was a producer seriously pushing for it. The resulting product is a bit of a feathered fish, but it's a unique cinematic experience with a superb cast, so what more can we really ask for?
Though the world of Coriolanus looks and feels like ours, it actually takes place in a parallel universe where Rome is at war with the Volscian army. Roman general Caius Martius (Fiennes) cares not for the starving people of his city; only his own honour and his vendetta against Volscian leader Aufidius (Gerard Butler). When he returns from a fairly spectacular battle a conquering hero, senator Menenius (Brian Cox) suggests Martius join Roman consul. First though, he'll have to adjust his brusque manner and ask for the blessing of his countrymen. The wishy-washy residents of Rome turn out to be easily won over, one minute baying for his blood and the next shrugging and saying he's not really all that bad. Tribunes Sicinius (James Nesbitt) and Brutus (Paul Jesson) turn them against him once more (they are very easily swayed), and eventually Martius - or as he's newly christened, Coriolanus - is banished from his home. They will regret crossing him. He heads over the border, and teams up with Aufidius, to claim his revenge. As Menenius says, 'Coriolanus has grown from man to dragon'.
Fiennes is fine - not intended as a pun, I swear - in the lead; he clearly understands the material, but occasionally reverts to Voldemortian hissing. Cox fares much better, but this will be no surprise to anyone who has ever seen Brian Cox in a film. Vanessa Redgrave, as Martius' mother Volumnia, and the freakishly prolific Jessica Chastain, as his wife Virgilia, impress above all. Redgrave is no stranger to this language, and she delivers it with astounding intensity.
There's no question as to why Fiennes and screenwriter John Logan have updated Billy Shakespeare's tale. You need only look to Australia's own spill/respill saga (which, in actuality, ended up being even bloodier) for a modern comparison. The genius of William's work has been proven over the past five centuries, as his depictions of historical political controversies (as well as his invented ones) still stand as biting, relevant satires of the world today. George Clooney's The Ides of March and television show Homeland are effective, entertaining commentaries on recent scandals and the current cultural environment, and Coriolanus feels just as timely. And though I understand why they dare not tamper with Shakespeare's brilliant lines ("You common cry of curs, whose breath I hate" - disses don't get much better), it feels more and more like an unnatural gimmick when contrasted with the contemporary setting.
3/5
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Member Reviews (32)
32 Member
Reviews
chuchay42@gmail.com
says
An error on my part in selecting this movie done so as actors Ralph Fiennes and
Gerard Butler had star roles.
The dialogue was in old English and hard most of the time to follow and
did not seem to sit well with the pace of the film.
Live and learn
says
Good story, but wasn't the greatest translation into a Modern Times Movie.
Bronwyn
says
Weird, it would have been a great movie if it wasn't written as if they were back in the Roman days. Very confusing watching modern day actions with Roman words. Didn't like it.
kay
says
Agree with Cindy and Sven. I love Shakespeare but wasn't familiar with this one, so wanted to know more.....glad Ralph Fiennes decided make it.....quite a brave decision really because of its dark theme which as some reviewers have said isn't easy Friday-night viewing. it made me want to read the plat and then maybe go back to the film. If you don't like Shakespeare, don't rent this film. If you do, then it isn't necessarily all good but there's plenty to talk about and as usual Shakespeare's themes are universally relevant.
Cindy
says
Superb adaptation of one of the Bard's lesser known plays. Staging Shakespeare in a contemporary setting is not a new concept, but Fiennes breathes new life into the work with his intelligent modernization. Brilliant performances all round too. And, although I would have thought it was fairly self-evident - don't bother renting a Shakespeare play if you don't enjoy Shakespeare.
Sven
says
Having come into this with no more knowledge than the Quickflix box art and description, I had an opposite reaction to that of some here. I was rather put off by the first ten minutes, but came to enjoy the film considerably as it went on.
I found Coriolanus to be likeable as a principled, uncompromising man hated less for his flaws than his lack of artful falseness. I also found the (admittedly trimmed-down) Shakespearian language far easier to understand than usual due to the more natural and less theatrical delivery. Most of it can be understood solely through context, in any case.
I certainly see how someone could be repulsed if they didn't know what to expect (in addition to the language, the modernization is quite direct and the story does not fit the setting in a literal or realistic manner). If you can get into the right mindset, though, in many aspects it's rather excellent.
Melzy
says
I don't remember watching past the first 20 mins ....
SS
says
Ten minutes was all I could stomach of this one unfortunetly...
Fiennes' first speech to the crowd did it for me and I wasn't going to waste another hour and 3/4's struggling with the heavy nuance of the dialogue.
It was a pity to waste the talents of Fiennes and Butler with such a unpopular niche market appeal script...
says
If you enjoy getting your headaround shakespeare language then by all means watch thow'll did not float my boat.
JeffK
says
Shakespeare does work on film such as Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Henry V’ and [his] ‘Hamlet’ (if a little precious), also Mel Gibson’s ‘Hamlet’ and Ian McKellen’s ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Richard III’, but ‘Coriolanus’ directed by Ralph Fiennes (he also plays the title role) does not. The action is set in a fictitious, modern city called ‘Rome’, which is clever device and works well as do the costumes and special effects. ‘Coriolanus’ is difficult enough to mount on stage, as it resembles, in part, Greek theatre. Coriolanus himself is a tragic figure destined to fail because of his immense pride; unlike some of the great tragic figures in Greek Theatre, he is not a likable man and consequently elicits little sympathy. Fiennes production is safe inasmuch as it concentrates on hubris, dominance and power but where he misses out is by not exploring the sexual desire and tension that Coriolanus and Aufidius, his opponent, feel for each other. A theme that is clear in the original Shakespeare (Act 4, scene 5). By leaving this out he diminishes the characters making them one-dimensional.
Art S.
says
Initially, Ralph Fiennes' Coriolanus grabbed me with its blend of violent military action and the Bard's dialogue -- but that effect didn't last. I found my attention wavering -- possibly more Shakespeare and less action might have been preferable (or the other way around? but then what's the point?). Basically, a tale of a war hero who is courted as a political leader but loves not the people. Some grand themes of loyalty and betrayal surround the cable news flashes (did I mention this is modern dress and filmed around Belgrade?). Generally, the acting is very strong, but this isn't the right introduction to the play, methinks.
anne
says
This was the best film I have watched in a long while. Please don't be put off by the fact that it is Shakespeare-it is simple to understand as the original play has been shortened and the settings modernised. It’s riveting viewing and Ralph Fiennes is brilliant as usual but the surprise is Vanessa Redgrave, who I think is often a bit of a ham, who is perfect in this role. Just give it a go. You will be surprised.
JoyS
says
If you're into Shakespeare's tragedies you should like this portrayal. We thought it was great.
Sybil
says
Did not even bother to watch all the way thru. Dialogue incomprehensible and story line non-existant.
rrenton
says
Great version of the bards classic
andrea
says
really could not get into this.I think the shakespearian talking put me off,only lasted about half hour before i had to turn it off
KPL
says
Was good. But not the magnificent masterpiece it is made out to be. I think the whole Shakespeare thing is for select few. The modernising of the story is what gives it a star and the acting another. Otherwise I bit of a yawnfest at times.
Glenys
says
Only watch if you are into Shakespeare .... For me frustrating and did not finish because of the language
jtbug
says
An interesting idea isn't enough to sustain this throughout its running time. Unlike Baz Luhrman's Romeo Juliet which successfully married Shakespeare's play with modern settings and values, Coriolanus will only be of interest to those who are familiar with the original text.
says
This was painful to watch.
Lesley
says
I didn't enjoy this movie. Not my cup of tea. Heavy and historical with nonsensical language. I can't think why they made it that way.
Catherine and Mark
says
A play that didn't really translate well to an army fighting a rebel force. Macbeth set in the ganglands of Melbourne was a much better interpretation of Shakespeare's plays about ancient warfare because in the end, they were all turf wars basically.
A.J.MAGNUSSON
says
What an ABSOLUTE rubbish MOVIE that was..... Seriously, What were they really thinking when this was made???? Oooop's, THEY WERE NOT THINKING!!!!!! ABSOLUTE RUBBISH !!!!! Stage show maybe, movie, NEVER !!!!
Rita K.
says
Ralph Fiennes adored his mother in real life.. perhaps that's what drew him to this project. Bloody and violent, combined with dense Shakespearian dialouge... worth watching more than once if it all eludes you on first viewing... it's worth it. A film to get your teeth into.
joffa
says
i take it one must appreciate shakesphere in order to fully understand/comprehend this title. Unfortunately i don't read.......... anything at all
hense...........maybe
UniversityEducate
says
Great adaptation of one of Shakespeare's best plays.
says
Great Movie fantastic acting. Ye old Shakespeare english gave it a unexpected twist in the modern setting.
Made me think more than any movie I've seen in an age.
Cairo49
says
Great actors but I just can't get into Shakespeare no matter how hard I try.
lynda
says
Didn't enjoy the old roman language. Much too much concentrating on a Fri night. Would have been better in english
Denise
says
Not into the original prose. Would have been so much better in good old fashioned english
Paul
says
Don't be caught by surprise, this is proper Shakespeare in Shakespearean English, so if you can't handle it don't rent it and you won't be disappointed. I've never read this play or seen it performed but good old Shakespeare never lets me down. This film very successfully dresses up ancient Roman political and military elements in modern-day clothing. The cast is superb.
Shep
says
Great performances. Not a Shakespeare play I am familiar with, but very interesting.