Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler Teamed Up for War Movie ‘Coriolanus’ and It Deserved Better From Fans

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As a cinephile who has spent countless hours poring over the works of Shakespeare and delving deep into the labyrinthine world of cinema, I find myself intrigued by Ralph Fiennes‘s directorial debut, ‘Coriolanus’. Having had the privilege to witness Fiennes in his stage performance of Macbeth just last year, I was eager to see how he would translate this timeless play into a contemporary setting.

Upon viewing Coriolanus, I was left with a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, the performances were stellar, with Fiennes delivering an impassioned portrayal of the titular character. The cinematography and visual effects were inventive and engaging, transporting me to the war-torn landscape of Ancient Rome. However, I found myself struggling to connect with the film due to its jarring blend of Shakespearean dialogue and modern elements like shaky cam, fake TV broadcasts, and rock music.

The film’s obscurity among other Shakespeare adaptations may have contributed to its lackluster box office performance, as it seems that casual moviegoers were left scratching their heads trying to decipher the Elizabethan English. Nevertheless, for those willing to venture into the world of adapted Shakespeare, Coriolanus offers a fresh take on the Bard’s works that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In terms of accessibility, one can stream Coriolanus for free on Plex, making it an ideal introduction to the adapted works of Shakespeare for those who are new to his timeless stories. And as a little joke, I must admit that I found myself chuckling at the Rotten Tomatoes review that lamented the film’s use of Elizabethan English, wondering if the critic was perhaps more familiar with the language of the common man than they let on!

As we eagerly anticipate the release of “28 Years Later“, many spectators will be intrigued to see how the cast breathes new life into one of the most cherished zombie films. Notably, actor Ralph Fiennes is among those associated with the project. Known for his roles in movies like “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “Schindler’s List“, Fiennes has also ventured into directing. One of his projects showcased his passion for Shakespeare, as he starred alongside Gerard Butler in the first major adaptation of “Coriolanus“.

Initially, Fiennes’s directorial debut faced a mixed response, with critics and viewers having differing opinions, and it struggled to recoup its production costs at the box office. Now that Coriolanus is accessible for streaming, it’s worth revisiting this potentially overlooked adaptation to determine if it merits your time investment and understand why it didn’t resonate with audiences initially.

Plot and Cast of the Underrated ‘Coriolanus’

Ralph Fiennes’s film, Coriolanus, provides a contemporary interpretation of the play by Shakespeare that delves into Rome’s power struggles and politics. The movie is set in a location styled as Rome but bears resemblance to war-ravaged Balkan regions. The city grapples with internal strife and scarcity of food resources, prompting Coriolanus, the main character, to wage war against an opposing nation. His heroic status among the people is short-lived when his attempt to seize power within his kingdom fails, leading him to form alliances with the country he once fought. Similar to other adaptations of Shakespeare’s works, it showcases themes through intense dialogues between characters. However, Ralph Fiennes crafted a more concise and action-oriented adaptation while maintaining the same central themes.

I am Caius Martius, the one who has inflicted significant pain upon you and the entire Volscian people. My nickname serves as proof of this fact… I’m known as Coriolanus.” (Ralph Fiennes in Coriolanus)

In the production, Ralph Fiennes takes on the role of Caius Martius Coriolanus, while Gerard Butler delivers a standout performance as Tullus Aufidius, leader of the enemy nation to Rome. The film was scripted by John Logan, a writer renowned for his excellently written films, including Gladiator, The Aviator, and The Last Samurai. Notably, Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare’s lesser-adapted works, with the 2011 movie being its most significant film adaptation to date; previously, it has been adapted for television.

The Mixed Reception of ‘Coriolanus’

The movie adaptation of Coriolanus proved to be a financial disappointment, earning roughly $2.5 million globally against an estimated budget of $10 million. In the realm of Shakespearean film adaptations, results have often been unpredictable on the big screen. For instance, 1996’s Romeo + Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, was a monumental hit, while Roman Polanski’s Macbeth (1971) – though critically acclaimed – nearly put an end to such adaptations due to its financial struggles. More recently, Joel Coen’s 2021 film, The Tragedy of Macbeth, also faced box office challenges despite its strategic release on Apple TV as a potential awards contender.

In a praiseworthy manner, the play “Coriolanus” is highly appreciated by critics. The distinction between audience and critic opinions is clear on Rotten Tomatoes, where the film garnered a 92% Fresh rating compared to a 58% Popcornmeter score. Monika Bartyzel from The Atlantic was one of many who lauded Ralph Fiennes’s directorial debut, remarking that when the connection is right, Shakespeare’s work can resonate with contemporary ideas as effortlessly as it addresses timeless aspects of humanity. Essentially, the genre of “Coriolanus” offers entertainment while touching upon enduring truths.

It’s a puzzle why Coriolanus failed so dramatically with audiences, even though it received positive reviews from critics. One possible reason could be its relatively obscure status among Shakespeare adaptations, making it less appealing to the casual viewer, despite the star-studded cast. The shaky camera work, fake TV broadcasts, rock music, and disconnection between the war scenes and the Shakespearean dialogue might have turned off the average moviegoer. As a Rotten Tomatoes user succinctly expressed in their one-star review, “Many film enthusiasts who, I suspect, want to prove they can understand Elizabethan English, spend the entire film translating what was just said in their minds.” This is likely why most of us ‘commoners’ found it hard to follow and enjoy.

How to Watch ‘Coriolanus’

Shakespeare’s original dialogue adaptations might not appeal to everyone, but if you’re seeking a contemporary take on his work, you won’t find many better than Ralph Fiennes’s Coriolanus. The acting is top-notch, the visuals are creative, and it exudes a unique charm that transports Shakespeare into the 21st century effortlessly. Additionally, this film is relatively straightforward for those new to Shakespearean speech, making it an excellent starting point for exploring his adapted works. Oh, and by the way, you can stream Coriolanus for free on Plex!

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2025-01-02 06:02