Coriolanus is Rome’s top general. While away in battle against the Volscian army of Aufidius (Gerard Butler), Roman politicians conspire against him to betray him and tarnish his image in the eyes of the people, leading to his downfall. His mom Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave) and wife Virgilia (Jessica Chastain, the busiest actress in Hollywood last year who was in “The Tree of Life”, “The Debt” and is now nominated as Oscar best supporting actress for “The Help”) tell him to be humble in front of the public. But like other tragic heroes with the sin of hubris or pride, he chooses to be arrogant and defiant. As such, he’s rejected to be consul of Rome so he goes to former opponent Aufidius to conspire in attacking Rome.
Fiennes obviously thinks this is a compelling acting piece for him and he gives an energetic performance that borders on madness and eclipses his Voldemort, with his saliva raining all over the place during his rants. Gerard Butler is a mere supporting player from whom little is required, also Jessica Chastain. Vanessa Redgrave is given more exposure and she does shine in most of her scenes as she mouths the Bard’s lines effectively. But local viewers whose brains are now saturated with teleseryes and romantic comedies will be completely alienated by the Bard’s language in this film.
