Director: Ralph Fiennes
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler and Jessica Chastain
‘A Spectacular Adaptation’
Not many actors have made movies that shine as bright as Ralph Fiennes. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Fiennes has become an icon. Whether it is preachers, Nazi commanders or bold political leaders, Fiennes has always portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Fiennes’ greatest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Even when he’s not the central focus of a movie, Fiennes always leaves a lasting impression. An actor with bold commitment, Fiennes has proven a celebrated icon in entertainment. Although he is arguably best known for his iconic role as Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, Fiennes has proven he can make engaging films in every single genre. Throughout a long lasting career, Fiennes has made many memorable movies that definitely are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Fiennes and admire all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Coriolanus” is his most underrated movie. Released in 2011, Ralph Fiennes’ film offered a spectacular adaptation of a world famous Shakespeare play. Packed with captivating production, engaging storytelling and bold acting, it’s one of the greatest Shakespeare films ever made. At the centre of it all is an iconic performance by Ralph Fiennes, who portrays a Roman general that experiences declines. Although “Coriolanus” is a riveting literary adaptation, it isn’t a flawless film. It suffers from uneven pacing that often tests viewers’ patience. Nevertheless, it provides exhilarating entertainment which will satisfy fans of Shakespeare.
Based on a beloved play, “Coriolanus” tells the story of a Roman general which faces a painful price to pay. Ralph Fiennes portrays Coriolanus, a selfish general that has built a successful career by overcoming obstacles which are dangerous. However, Coriolanus’ life dramatically changes when he’s turned into an enemy causing disaster. Assisted by longtime companion Tullus (Gerard Butler), Coriolanus embarks upon a risky journey to destroy his city. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Coriolanus wonders if it is possible to become a legendary Roman solider. Faced with a crisis, Coriolanus soon questions whether he can truly have goals to accomplish.
Ralph Fiennes is a newcomer towards the stories of Shakespeare. Before he directed “Coriolanus”, Fiennes had never made a Shakespeare adaptation. It was Fiennes’ first attempt to celebrate the legacy of a legendary play but he succeeded. Using strong cinematography, Fiennes captures a roman general on a treacherous journey. Emulating Kenneth Branagh’s “Hamlet”, the filmmaker effectively uses montages to capture roman generals facing regret. For instance, montages elevate the warfare scene. During this unforgettable scene, Coriolanus engages in intense warfare that causes adversity. Using stunning montage, Fiennes celebrates a legendary play about wars that are frightening. Montages aren’t easy techniques to use in movies. As Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” demonstrated, montages elevate Holocaust movies. That being said, it works immensely in this movie. Using captivating visuals, Fiennes captures tensions generals are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Coriolanus” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive Shakespeare adaptations ever made. Inspired with Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet”, Fiennes effectively uses costumes to capture tensions experienced by Roman generals. Throughout the movie, Coriolanus’ costumes showcase his strong persona as an army general. For instance, costumes elevate the political turmoil scene. During this unforgettable scene, Coriolanus has an intense confrontation with political figures causing tension. Using captivating costumes, Fiennes constructs a portrait of Shakespeare that’s engaging. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the film a tense atmosphere celebrating legacy of Shakespeare. Through strong production, Fiennes celebrates an author that deserves appreciation.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Coriolanus” is a Shakespeare film which is engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture tense hardships roman generals are facing. Inspired with Roman Polanski’s “Macbeth”, Fiennes expertly uses dramatic monologues to capture tensions generals in war are enduring. For instance, monologues enhance the arguments scene. During this unforgettable scene, Coriolanus engages in an argument with enemies causing tension. Using stunning monologues, Fiennes crafts a portrait of Shakespeare audiences relate to. Monologues are tricky techniques to use in most films. As Anthony Minghella’s “The English Patient” proved, monologues often elevate literary adaptations. Nevertheless, it works well. Through a fantastic screenplay, Fiennes honours a celebrated Shakespeare play.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Ralph Fiennes delivers one of his greatest performances as Coriolanus. Fiennes first earned appreciations for playing evil Nazi commanders in history-based dramas. With “Coriolanus”, however, Fiennes took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a legendary roman general facing adversity but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him: intense, charming and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures ambition, desperation and grief of a roman general facing tensions. It’s a powerful performance by one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Fiennes, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of appreciation. Gerard Butler is brilliant, capturing the authoritative nature of an army leader seeking to battle in wars which cause disaster. Jessica Chastain is captivating, capturing the pain of a woman embarking on a journey to achieve kingdom reign. Lastly, Vanessa Redgrave deserves appreciation. As an elderly Queen, she is unforgettable.
Although “Coriolanus” is an undeniably engaging literary adaptation, it isn’t a flawless film. If there’s a shortcoming towards the movie, it lacks engrossing pacing. Fiennes’ decisions to integrate political subplots into the movie is clever but doesn’t entirely succeed. Due to this faulty technique, scenes capturing the exploits of political figures aren’t as entertaining as Coriolanus’ emotional journey. Therefore, “Coriolanus” can’t quite honour the legacy of a Shakespeare play which is legendary.
Nevertheless, fans of Ralph Fiennes would definitely enjoy “Coriolanus” and so would audiences seeking enjoyable entertainment. A spectacular adaptation, it celebrates an actor deserving appreciation.
Centuries following the publications of a legendary Shakespeare play about army generals facing a price to pay, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to portray powerful characters in memorable movies that are undeniably without a single doubt worth celebrating today.
4.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 