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Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare's less popular yet easily recognizable plays. It's probably the only play in Shakespeare's entire catalog that addresses not kings or gods but the fragility of democracy and the frustrating balancing act of public opinion. Of all the dramatic history plays Shakespeare wrote, this one is probably my favorite because it showcases how universal Shakespeare genuinely is.
History buffs may recall this play as required reading in literature classes during the days of nazi Germany. It was read as a play about military strength and the fall of a great leader shunned by an ungrateful public, causing some readers to interpret the play as protofascist. However, going further back in time, the play was also enjoyed by colonial armies during the revolutionary war as a story about the value of democracy and the importance of individual thought. The play is written so that it can be read in virtually any political spectrum. Unlike most other political stories, especially modern ones, Coriolanus does not favor one side or the other. It shows an actual genuine unbiased perspective.
This wonderful film adaptation from 2011 comes to us courtesy of actor and debut director Ralph Fiennes. Whom some you most likely remember as Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter films.
Much like Kenneth Branagh, Ralph Fiennes is a Shakspearian trained actor who spent most of his Hollywood career playing villains, ranging from grounded and realistic to over-the-top and fantastical. One of the few times he played a non-villain role was his brief supporting performance in a little film titled The Hurt Locker, the story of Iraq war veterans and PTSD. This, incidentally, is where Ralph Fiennes would take part of his inspiration (and cinematographer Barry Ackroyd) for his directorial debut.
Both The Hurt Locker and Coriolanus are political and military dramas that deal with the reality of being a soldier. Most of Ralph Fiennes's inspiration from his former experience was the methods utilized to make the presentation feel more "real": handheld camerawork, basic color palette, and snappy dialogue delivery. Fiennes also drew inspiration from modern political dramas like...pretty much anything written by Aaron Sorkin.
However, what makes Fiennes's interpretation of the play so successful, at least to me, is how he expands on Shakespeare's universality by placing the story in a universal setting. By that, I mean Ralph Fiennes had the good sense not to establish any particular setting for the story, but rather choose to present it nowhere in particular. It's never clear exactly where the story is taking place. Still, it's peppered with enough hints and references to modern-day conflicts that it's effortless to see the story taking place just about anywhere you might think. In other words, not only did Ralph Fiennes set a history play out of history, he set it on a stage that is as universal as the bare stage of Shakespeare's time. An achievement worth all the praise possible!
Furthermore, Fiennes maintains that universal identity with his portrayal of the main character. In his presentation of the story, Coriolanus is not meant to represent any political spectrum or any particular side of a conflict, but only as a soldier, plain and simple. It's a story that reminds us of the great disconnect between civilians and soldiers and how important it is to be mindful of it. Nowhere else in the play is this notion better showcased than in Coriolanus's monologue, popularly known as "The Cry of Curs" speech.
Ralph Fiennes's adaptation of Coriolanus is a must-watch for Shakespeare fans and fans of military/political dramas alike. It showcases how relevant Shakespeare remains today and how his works may be applied to any desired interpretation. The movie itself is also a fine piece of work on its own merits, with expert direction, thought-provoking themes, and superb acting on all fronts.
Check this one out.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
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