«The Fiennes Supremacy»

Rating: 9/10 (9 September 2013)

Many great actors, having passed a galaxy of the most various movie roles, moving towards their long- awaited and main role – starring themselves. Some of them, accumulating experience for years, were nurturing the idea of showing themselves to the world like they present themselves, like they want to be. Well, that's a quite appropriate vanity.
For so noble and ambitious plan's embodiment Fiennes needed to generate the character, which would miraculously consolidate the predominating and supernatural abilities, being an absolute and complete excellence. The actor's filmography is an extremely replete with bright, charismatic and powerful images, most of which can be revived, refined, having cleared of defaming flaws and weaknesses, supplemented with worthy and strong qualities, to form a holistic and a monumental image of a kind of Superman as a result of this «mutations». And this image was formed. The eponymous Shakespeare's tragedy granted to Ralph Fiennes his desired pedestal. Having rendered thanks to his idol for inspiration, he, without delaying, decisively appeared before mob in the image of a great, brave, proud and invincible warrior!
The quintessence of the vices and passions was concentrated in Coriolanus by incomprehensible harmonious way. Heathcliff, obsessed with passion and revenge, his «light version» - the Count Laszlo De Almasy, cruel and unprincipled Amon Goeth, bloodthirsty madman Francis Dolarhyde (Red Dragon), powerful Lord Voldemort, vengeful and almighty Hades, principled and nervous ribald Harry Waters - explosive and, at the same time, such well-coordinated and impressive combination of characters found it's phenomenal embodiment in general Coriolanus. Red Dragon's strongly pronounced features acutely dominate in Coriolanus. Strong, all-destroying and sophisticated, not knowing fear and pity, rapid and resourceful – the Great Red Dragon, passed the mission's restart. Dreaming about rebirth, he reached it. Now he is a Coriolanus. Submissive crowd looks to Coriolanus bottom-up with the expression with hardened hope on stupid gazes and open mouths, revering with a fawning cringe. That's exactly the red Dragon dreamed to appear before trembling mortals, insignificant and deprived of civil rights, becoming famous over them, reigning and prevailing.
The actor was mesmerized by the most powerful energy message of Butler's character in «Law Abiding Citizen» and his shocking mission. «Wow, what a character! What a spark!» - he exclaimed and rightly decided, that such kind of role would incorporate the previous cult film images and would be a worthy crown of his creativity. «So help me old friend Shakespeare!» - he exhorted his arrogant impulse. And who is worthy to become a competitor of the all-powerful Coriolanus? «Why me not to battle with Law Abiding Citizen?» - it has dawned upon the newly Director, - «Let the trembling mob will understand that there's a hero more powerful and courageous! Let's fight with him, like two rebellious gladiators, on the arena of Rome!». It was a fierce and furious rivalry between the two leaders, two desperate brave warriors. Butler, dashingly pushed into the background, favorably emphasized shade the heroism of raging Coriolanus, humbly and courteously looming in the rays of his glory.
The outstanding Shakespearean drama was repeatedly an excellent support for implement of various theatrical and cinema projects. Shakespeare's idea to create the image of Coriolanus more courageous, generous and honest, in comparison with Plutarch's primary source, undoubtedly played into the Fiennes' hands, who dreamed about the Red Dragon's evolution. True devotee Shakespeare actor, not hesitate, returned origin of his artistic career, seeking the creation of his idol for the long-awaited directorial debut. Whether it is necessary to torment imagination, which is able to give birth to absurd and delusional images under the ruthless yoke of the hypertrophied vain ambitions? The «recipe» is quite simple indeed: fancy pastry on «Shakespeare's» yeast+juicy assorted stuffing from off-suit images+ subtle improvisation. The «pie» is ready.
So, what about the film? Bravo, Ralph! The mob clap! The movie – is a refined impudence. Eccentric and biting version of the Shakespeare's «Coriolanus». To play classics in modern terms is a risky deed, but very attractive. Many people tried, but very few of them managed to surprise or not to disappoint. The screened «Coriolanus» is surprisingly organic and compositional, in spite of deliberately brute performance, aggressive camera-work and exaggerated brutal acting images. Even the female characters make the impression of a kind of steel and indestructible warriors. Subtle and well thought director's work. Not so smugly, but impresses. Vigorous, defiant, and, as expected, dramatic debut.
The prosperity and delight are increased thanks to cast, easy on the eyes. Ralph Fiennes brilliantly realized his autocratic daring attempts in proud and fearless Coriolanus. Legendary and genius «Bella Mafia» Vanessa Redgrave was on the ball once again, standing in the image of Volumnia, the mother of all of Rome. And Gerard Butler as live and spectacular «decoration», which against a background the most significant and profound scene of explanation Coriolanus with his mother turned around of. He had the opportunity to reappear in a shot to triumphantly interrupt the life of Caius Martius Coriolanus in a tragic finale.
In each case when the classical works are mercilessly trampled, one idiom comes to mind: say, that one or the other Author would turn over in his grave, if could see what had been done with his masterpiece. Ralph Fiennes, in my opinion, can sleep a peaceful sleep: the rotating speed of Shakespeare in his grave is equal to zero. I would venture to guess, that a great classic, involuntarily rendered director faithful service, would be pleasantly surprised with so courageous and expressive statement of his poem and wouldn't stint his applause and sincerely praise.
But what the excessive vanity you need to have for making this kind of movie with starring himself? However, the director, not without bragging, confidently and stately declared to the world about himself, as all-powerful and dauntless warrior Coriolanus. It's interesting, what will be the next independent role of the actor? Perhaps God?