Coriolanus

Coriolanus is a captivating 2011 drama film that showcases Ralph Fiennes in a double role as the director and leading actor. Also starring in the film are notable actors Gerard Butler and Brian Cox, among others. While it bears the name of a Shakespearean tragedy, Coriolanus places the 17th-century play in a modern context without forfeiting the original dialogue, thus, creating a riveting blend of classic literature and contemporary cinema.

Ralph Fiennes portrays the titular character, Caius Martius Coriolanus, a revered and feared Roman General. Fiennes’ portrayal is hair-raising - a rigid and ramrod straight icon of martial prowess who, despite his dislike for politics, finds himself thrust into its heart. He brings out the complexities of his character in a way that is gripping, demonstrating not only his martial prowess but also the deeply ingrained disdain for political gladiators and common folk.

Adding to the stellar cast is Gerard Butler, who plays the leader of the enemy Volscian forces, Tullus Aufidius. Butler delivers an exceptional performance, embodying a character who is both Coriolanus's sworn enemy on the battlefield and potential political ally. Butler brings a captivating physicality and brute intensity to his role which makes the dynamic between his character and Fiennes' all the more riveting.

Brian Cox, in his role as Menenius, delivers a cleverly calculating yet warmly paternal senator. Cox's poise and political savvy provide a stark contrast to Fiennes’ blood-and-brawn general, showcasing the tension that exists between the political and martial forces in the society.

Jessica Chastain, as Virgilia, Coriolanus's wife, and Vanessa Redgrave, playing Volumnia, Coriolanus's formidable mother, also deserve commendations. Chastain's character allows the audience to glance at the softer, more human aspects of Coriolanus, while Redgrave delivers femininity blended with a warrior's spirit that eerily echoes and augments Fiennes’ own ferocity.

The film, set against the backdrop of 'a place calling itself Rome', adopts a modern version of Rome mired in civil strife, rife with protests, urban warfare, and political machinations. This intense, volatile atmosphere that is reflective of certain contemporary crisis-riddled societies, characterizes this adaptation, making the play's themes of power struggles and the mob’s fickleness more relatable. The contemporary setting also intensifies the stark visual difference between the grungy war scenes and the sterile, sleek political hubs, each making a statement of their own.

Aside from actor performances and setting, another aspect of this film that stands out is its dialogue. Built upon the original text of Shakespeare's 'Coriolanus', it is a challenge that the actors rise up to expertly. By keeping the Shakespearean language intact in a modern-day context, the film elevates the overpowering spirit of the original play, presenting a dichotomy of the ancient and modern, in a strikingly familiar world.

Cinematographer Barry Ackroyd's camera work is stark, raw and engaging, often employing handheld shots that place the viewer right at the center of the action. The bleak, desolate cityscape amplifies the recurring themes of war and political manipulation, adding to the urban warfare aesthetic of the film.

Coriolanus is a film that effectively mashes up the traditional and the contemporary, providing viewers with a dose of Shakespeare articulated by a powerhouse ensemble who bring to life the bare, primal pleasures of the play, fortified by the visceral truths of our current times. It explores the significant themes of power, politics, and populism offering a maelstrom of an experience that circles around Fiennes' brutal, mesmerizing lead performance.

In essence, Coriolanus, set in the backdrop of modern warfare while upholding the original Shakespearean speech, serves a dish that is certainly not for everyone's taste. Still, for those who seek out innovative takes on classics, and appreciate potent and intense performances, this brave cinematic rendition of one of Shakespeare's less celebrated works gives much to admire and contemplate.