Review of Titus (1999) by Jordan G — 28 Dec 2013
WHO SAYS REVENGE TASTES SWEET?
- The 1999 film adaptation of what is assumed to be Shakespeare's first tragedy 'Titus Andronicus' (written between 1588 and 1593). I write 'assumed', because there has been a lot of discussion about who wrote it for this story is bloodier and crueler than Shakespeare's other masterpieces. Set in the Ancient Rome, director Julie Taymor used old (chariots, swords) with modern elements (cars, guns) to express the timelessness of this story. The use of this mixture along with the original dialogue could be a bit bizarre for some viewers, but for me it totally works. 'Titus' is all about the storyline that deals with family, revenge, rape and murder. I confess that I like it better than 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Hamlet'. The cruel faith of Lavinia and the epic conclusion haunted me for days. Even now that I've seen the movie more than once, it still brings chills to my spine. Brilliant performances by Anthony Hopkins as 'Titus Andronicus' and Jessica Lange as 'Queen Tamora'.
After losing 21 of his 25 sons in the battle against the Goths Roman general Titus Andronicus (Hopkins) returns victoriously to Rome with hostages: the Goth Queen Tamora (Lange), her three sons and the Moor Aaron (her secret lover). Despite the pleas of Tamora Ttius sacrifices her oldest son, Alarbus, to avenge the loss of his own children during the war. Wrecked by it all, Tamora vows revenge on Titus and his family.
Shortly after that the Emperor of Rome passes away. While the princes Saturninus and Bassianus quarrel to claim the throne, it is tribune Marcus Andronicus who announces that the people want his brother Titus to be the new ruler. But the Roman general refuses and supports the eldest son Saturninus, who is eventually elected Emperor. As a present Titus gives him his war trophies (Tamora and her family). Saturninus tells Titus that for his first act as Emperor, he will marry Titus's daughter Lavinia. The general agrees, although Lavinia is in love with Bassianus, who refuses to give her up. Together with Titus' four remaining sons, they make a run for it. Feeling dishonored by his own children Titus follows them and kills his son Mitius. Although Saturninus is displeased, he pardons them all and chooses a new bride: Tamora!
During the royal hunt party new Empress Tamora, her lover Aaron and her two sons put things into motion to get their revenge. There will be blood...
This review of Titus (1999) was written by Jordan G on 28 Dec 2013.
Titus has generally received positive reviews.
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