Ralph Fiennes's modern take on Coriolanus is risky and edgy. Success!

Rating: 7/10 (20 June 2013)

Ralph Fiennes did a modern take on Coriolanus. The setting was present day in "a place called Rome" which was made up of many different locations. Tanks, machine guns and knives served as the weapons, and costumes were made up of a mix of American and Russian military attire. I really appreciated the decision to set the play in a different time. It's risky and edgy and I think that it made the play way more accessible. I'm no Shakespeare expert but I think Coriolanus is not one of his most popular works. Bringing it to the silver screen in this manner really showed people just how great of a play it is.
What I think the movie did for Shakespeare in this instance was highlight some of the beautiful subtleties in the dialogue. Performing it as a play, the actors must project to convey the story. Having recently seen Coriolanus on a stage, I experienced that projection firsthand. I feel that some of the dialogue was better said in a whisper though, a whisper that could only be done in a film. There are some breathtaking scenes with Vanessa Redgrave and Jessica Chastain that are quiet yet passionate. I felt that the film allowed for a lot more dynamics throughout the play.