Movie with Abe: Coriolanus (Capsule Review)

Coriolanus
Directed by Ralph Fiennes
Released December 2, 2011



Shakespeare films are usually made for a certain kind of audience. This adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s least-known works, about a Roman general full of hubris, puts a modern-day spin on the story, outfitting its characters with suits and ties, cell phones and televisions, and cars but keeping in the Shakespearean dialogue. What results is an intriguing visual experiment, presenting an archaic tale as envisioned in an imagined city called Rome that could easily exist in the present day. For the Shakespeare aficionado, it’s likely to be a marvelous delight to see television newscasters speaking Elizabethan English, whereas those less inclined to salivate over the Bard will find it to be a less satisfying experience. The film rarely utilizes any special cinematic techniques, focusing instead on bringing its plot to life, and only occasionally does the camerawork lens its events in a truly invigorating fashion. Ralph Fiennes, behind the camera for the first time, has just the right impatient energy for the title role, and he’s well-matched by Gerard Butler in what can be seen as a rare solid movie choice for him as his sworn enemy. Vanessa Redgrave is sure to be lavished with praise for her passionate performance as the main character’s mother, a lively if not entirely fulfilling turn. Ultimately, “Coriolanus” is an interesting character piece and little more, notable merely for a decent attempt at a modern update.

C+

Tuesday’s Top Trailer: Coriolanus

Welcome to a weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Tuesday's Top Trailer. One of my favorite parts about going to see movies is the series of trailers that airs beforehand and, more often than not, the trailer is far better than the actual film. Each week, I'll be sharing a trailer I've recently seen. Please chime in with comments on what you think of the trailer and how you think the movie is going to be.

Coriolanus – Opening December 2, 2011



This Shakespeare adaptation marks Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut, and it looks pretty damn exciting. Admittedly, seeing “From the writer of Gladiator” does heighten my anticipation considerably since that was such an awesome action film and drama. I’m not sure this will be quite as strong, but I am thrilled about any chance to see Ralph Fiennes in a leading role, which doesn’t come around all that often. It’s very much the Russell Crowe part in “Gladiator,” but still, that’s a role in which Fiennes should be able to excel. He usually plays bad guys, and seeing him on the good side of things, like in “The Constant Gardener,” has demonstrated that he is capable of making one compelling hero. I’m particularly pleased that Gerard Butler seems to be doing something positive with his career, since he was actually quite good in “RocknRolla” and I’ve been hoping that he’d do something productive ever since then. Jessica Chastain is also in the cast (she’s in everything these days!), which is wonderful, as are Brian Cox and Vanessa Redgrave. This should be an interesting take on a Shakespeare work with which I’m not familiar, and I’m curious about its modernity, and also to see what Fiennes does behind the camera. This may get lost amid many other releases in early December, but if I had the chance, I’d see it.