Powerful Rendering of a Classic Political Text

Rating: 8/10 (14 July 2013)

Shot in war-torn Serbia, Ralph Fiennes' version of CORIOLANUS vividly illustrates the play's political themes. The eponymous hero (Fiennes himself) is a brave, outwardly successful general enjoying both political and military success - that is, until he is elected to the role of consul in the city of Rome. Then his penchant for speaking the truth becomes a liability rather than an asset: Tribunes Brutus and Sicinius (James Nesbitt, Paul Jesson) contrive to have him banished from the city. Coriolanus' response is swift and bloody, as he switches sides to form an alliance with his deadliest enemy Aufidius (Gerard Butler) to attack Rome in revenge. The film illustrates the perils of political life, as Coriolanus is unable to cope with the scheming and hypocrisy necessary to sustain his success. He relies too much on Menenius (Brian Cox) who, although a consummate manipulator, cannot guarantee Coriolanus' future. However Coriolanus is not quite the heroic character he believes himself to be; he is quite willing to turn on his allies if it suits his particular purpose. Hence we feel that he somehow deserves what happens to him in the end. The film's stand-out performance, however, comes from Vanessa Redgrave as Coriolanus' mother Volumnia - a strong-minded personality who stands up for her principles. Would that her son had followed her example. British news anchor Jon Snow turns up in a cameo role, announcing the bad tidings.