Coriolanus is an entertaining and charming docu-drama directed by Ralph Fiennes. It is inspired by Shakespeare’s tragedy that narrates the story of the Roman hero Caius Martius Coriolanus.
The movie was a success since it was a fascinating and innovative way of learning and representing history in modern society. It was well done since it mixed Roman values and culture with current war tools and today’s citizens and settings. It was poetic since it was rhythmically enriched by Shakespeare’s script.
Movies such as this one may mark your way of looking at past events for a while. They are potentially capable of teaching you a piece of history without studying from a text book. The figure of Coriolanus is a dynamic and controversial figure of a man oppressed by the desire of revenge, honour and domain. A man unable to stir the crowd and to find a dialogue with the people. It is clear that romans saw him as a despotic tyrant unable to satisfy their immediate needs. I thought that the use of social media and the constant presence of cameras and mobile phones between the protesters was a realistic way of representing protests in our modern society (i.e. the Arab Spring’s use of social media). Crowds that roared from the beginning till the end played a key role in the whole narration. The plot has definitely contributed in making me realize that “history repeats itself” and it is therefore indispensable to understand and remember.
Fiennes emphasizes the protagonist’s dark side without forgetting about his humanity that is often repressed. The Roman hero becomes “blind” when accused of being a traitor by his own citizens and tightens an alliance with Rome’s enemies in order to burn and destroy that miserable place. The mother figure exercises an influence over Coriolanus that is great, positive and unsurpassed by anyone else. Her words are the only ones able to touch him straight in the heart. Furthermore, the passage and transportation of values, ideas, social structures, wealthy and poor conditions and military tools from one era to the other has been an exhilarating idea that I strongly support since it is effective.
At last, the poetic harmony coming from Shakespeare’s script framed by war and urban sights was a perfect mix for a delightful docu-drama. The music in the background, together with the use of shaved heads, exaggerated tattoos and infinite alcohol contributed in transmitting the fear of war and its inhumanity.
I recommend the vision of this film although it is not one of my favourite movies. Although the lounge was empty and I was almost the only one sitting there, the movie may be a profound way of experiencing and living a historical event. I hope that the wide spread American cynical tastes will change over time because classical studies and culture are a resource. Out of ten, I’d give to the film a seven point five.