Rating of
3/4
Revenge Served Anthony Hopkin's Way
Topher - wrote on 11/16/07
Director Julie Taymor brings her stage production of Titus -- one of Shakespeare's bloodiest plays -- to the screen. Like Shakespeare, Taymor's vision is ahistorical: although the fictional tragedy nominally takes place in ancient Rome, Taymor's Rome seems to be near-future and neo-fascist, with fetishes for outmoded technology. The No-Time effect this creates is as unsettling as the imagery.
However, at times the film suffers from feeling a bit too much like a broadway production -- a little over-the-top, a little corny. Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange deliver strong performances, but not their best. Finally, Titus was one of Shakespeare's earliest plays: although it is probably his most savage work, it is also frequently clumsy.
Overall -- for Shakespearian film -- this is excellent. The old school of Shakespearian film tended to be dry and full of ridiculous Victorian conceits. The new school is rarely dull.
