Coriolanus – Background To the Movie (TIFF 2011 Special Presentation)

‘Coriolanus’ is Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut. This ‘Coriolanus’ is a contemporary retelling of the Bard’s famous poem entitled “The Tragedy of Coriolanus” (1608). The screenplay mastery of John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator, Hugo) is at work as is the cinematic expertise of Barry Ackroyd (Green Zone, Hurt Locker). Ralph Fiennes, twice an Academy Award nominee (Schindler’s List, The English Patient) also stars in the main role as Coriolanus. A fabulous cast supports him including Gerard Butler (Tullus Aufidius, Coriolanus’s sworn enemy), Brian Cox (Menenius), Jessica Chastain (Virgilia, the unfortunate wife) and Vanessa Redgrave (Volumnia, Coriolanus’s mother).

‘Coriolanus’ is a violent story of pride, love, betrayal, honor and revenge and not surprisingly, completely relevant today. Ambitious military passions, politics, and back room plotting ending in betrayal and death are key to the history of empire building. ‘Coriolanus’ is set in modern Europe instead of ancient Rome and real Serbian troops are part of the cast. Modern TV frontline news reporting is used to heighten the reality and dramatic intensity. Shakespeare can prove very difficult in the movie medium as Julie Taymor recently discovered with the ‘Tempest’. Fiennes has made a clever choice to tell the story from a contemporary viewpoint; what is old is new in warfare and the characters wielding the power are all too familiar as they both terrorize and enthrall the audience.

Historically this play has had its performances during periods of political turmoil and civil unrest. T. S. Eliot appropriately considered Coriolanus to be Shakespeare’s ‘greatest tragic achievement’. And in Fiennes’ hands, prepare yourself for a gut-wrenching ride. Coriolanus’ character is difficult to sympathize with. He has a strange aloofness and distain for society – yet he serves these ‘people’ for whom he sacrifices much and takes great pride in his military world and its code of honor. Curiously he refuses to gain politically through slander of others or praise for his military accomplishments, which ultimately costs him everything. Shakespeare’s tale is a powerful, magnificent portrayal of an emotional drama on a grand scale. It depicts such force of character that one cannot fail to marvel at the complexity of this man Coriolanus, the power of his convictions and the enemies he battles.

Early reviews rave about ‘Coriolanus’ coming to theatres Jan. 20th, 2012.

Fiennes is familiar with Coriolanus having played the role on stage eleven years ago in London and New York. He has much to live up to here since Laurence Olivier, Anthony Hopkins, Richard Burton, Ian McKellen, Toby Stephens, Robert Ryan, Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman and Alan Howard have all played Coriolanus.

http://weinsteinco.com/sites/coriolanus/ Official movie site