Coriolanus

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres today from director Ralph Fiennes and Icon Entertainment International comes a battle of duality with “Coriolanus”.

This film tells me the story of Caius Martius Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes), the hero of Rome and a military man. When he expresses his views openly a mass riot breaks out. The politicians get a hold of him and Coriolanus is banished from Rome away from his wife Virgilia (Jessica Chastain) and mother Volumina (Vanessa Redgrave).

His only recourse of survival is to join up with his one time enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler). Beginning to fit in his mother and wife come to reclaim him but at a price that may be too high for him to pay.

FINAL WORD: Fiennes is always a thrill to watch. Having spent so many years carrying us away as the evil Lord Voldemort, watching him grab Shakespeare by the horns is stunning.

Butler holds his own as well playing Aufidius. Keeping his chin sharp and his eyes on the prize there is no question as to where his loyalty lies. Chastain as Virgilia plays the dutiful wife, but more dutiful citizen who does what she is told.

Redgrave has once again grabbed me. With her role in “Anonymous” is it clear she is hardly finished giving viewers something to talk about.

The film has won many awards including the San Diego Film Critics Society award to Jessica Chastain, and nominations that come from the Berlin and British Film Festivals as well as BAFTA.

Other cast members: Lubna Azabal as Tamora, Ashraf Barhom as Cassius, Brian Cox as Menenius, John Kani as Gen. Cominus, and James Nesbitt as Tribune Sicinus.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “Coriolanus” three tubs of popcorn out of five. This is an interesting, even if difficult at times, film to watch. The great thing about the film for me was the interaction between characters where their faces told the viewer everything.

Shakespeare once again allows us to watch the rise and fall of relationships and the inhumanity that can come of it all.

In the end – nature teaches beasts to know their friends.