Coriolanus

Released: 2011

Directed By: Ralph Fiennes

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler

Certificate: 15

Reviewed By: Darryl Griffiths

Bringing a contemporary feel to a work of Shakespeare is normally a daunting and quite audacious prospect for anyone, especially with the purists getting ready to sharpen their tongues. But reinterpreting a play that is one of the least performed and recognisable on a wide scale, you have to wonder.. what was Ralph Fiennes thinking when agreeing to such a gig?? The key figure in front and behind the camera for the first time respectfully, he assembles a heavyweight cast and throws them in at the deep end for ‘Coriolanus’.

Shedding the original play’s old school surroundings of ancient Rome and shot on location in a grim looking Belgrade whilst keeping the traditional fluidity of the language intact, we bare witness to the trials and tribulations of a one Caius Martius (Fiennes). Driven on by his proud aristocratic mother Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave) and his emotionally vulnerable wife Virgilia (Jessica Chastain), he is rigid in what he believes should be the ideals in life. A gung ho and ferocious commander by trade, he leads the charge against Tulius Aufidius (Gerard Butler) and his guerilla army in a fierce battle of urban warfare that makes for a thrilling opening segment.

Upon his return, he is buried by an overwhelming amount of praise and is convinced by his peers, most notably Memenius (Brian Cox) to undertake a key role as a consul. Already not deeming himself the diplomatic type, the decision is soon met with disapproval by fellow politicans and protests by a frustrated public, whom Martius needs the votes from but has nothing but hatred for them. The efforts of passionate campaigners Tribune Sicinius (James Nesbitt) and Tribune Brutus (Paul Jesson) eventually drive Martius away from ‘Rome’ and into exile. Angered by such a revolt, he plots a fightback and soon finds solace within the backing of an unexpected ally..

It may have been a gamble, but Fienne’s execution of the material is nothing short of exemplary. His on screen performance bristles with raw intensity and delivers his lines with the utmost gusto.. which will beg the question, where’s the awards nods?? His directorial efforts are pretty impressive also. He certainly looks like he’s drawn upon the social realist feel of the works of Paul Greengrass and more recently Katheryn Bigelow’s ‘Hurt Locker’ especially in the vivid battle sequences, that may evoke memories of Bloody Sunday simply because of Nesbitt’s involvement in both projects. What should really resonate with audiences is how socially relevant this interpretation of ‘Coriolanus’ proves to be. It’s depictions of a public collective easily manipulated by the hierarchy, TV debates that soon descend into chaos but have a lasting impact on the public personas of once respected figures being mere examples.

You”ll find it hard to fault the entire cast in all honesty. Butler proves to be an equally intimidating adversary to Fiennes, Redgrave shamefully hasn’t had a role to really sink her teeth into for quite a while, but her emotionally nuanced and graceful performance here will surely change matters. Nesbitt and Jesson are a compelling double act, Brian Cox once again proves he’s one of cinema’s most under appreciated actors with another classy appearance and Chastain (who seems to be everywhere right now) shows why she’s rated so highly.

The Shakespearean lingo may wear you down with its occasional long winded nature.. but i’ll take this over the ‘BRAP BRAP’ and ‘SHADDUP’ drivel that normally comes pouring out of the youth of today, any day of the week!

Bold, bloody and downright brilliant.. i can’t wait to see what Fiennes has next up his sleeve! Enthralling stuff!