Review of Titus (1999) by Jan M — 13 Jan 2011

I'm usually hesitant with regard to film adaptations of Shakespeare, and when the director tries to take a classic into the 20th century or modernize it, I get that look of skepticism and distain from the opening act onward. This is a wonderful exception to that rule. I liked the alternative universe of Italian facism created for the backdrop of Titus. It's soulcrushing tragedy as only Shakespeare can deliver, and could stand on it's own as a film. I think the 20th century treatment added to the telling and I still enjoy it more than any other adaption of The Bard's work. I think Shakespeare would have dug it too.

* The only other "modernized" adaptation I can stand is Kenneth Branaugh's Hamlet. I think the 19th century suits it well, and I like that he did the whole play vs. omitting certain parts to fit a film format.