Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut tackles Shakespeare’s political tragedy with aplomb and military precision, setting it in a modern Balkan warzone. With Barry Ackroyd (THE HURT LOCKER) as cinematographer and a screenplay from GLADIATOR writer John Logan, an array of talent powers this adaptation.
Ralph Fiennes is Coriolanus, an outstanding military leader and impenetrable war machine who, through his victories becomes leader of the Roman people. However his enemies conspire to topple him and he falls from grace with the Romans who erupt into rioting. Spitting teeth at the treachery of the ‘plebeians’ his retaliation results with his banishment from Rome. This final insult propels him into an allegiance with long-time foe, Aufidius (Gerard Butler) to plan Rome’s destruction. Supported by Vanessa Redgrave as his proud mother, Volumnia and Jessica Chastain (TREE OF LIFE) as his devoted wife, Fiennes marches Coriolanus into battle. A fierce tale of power and betrayal, this is a staggering adaptation delivered with impassioned performances and thunderous force.
