Review of Titus (1999) by Chris V — 05 May 2008
A magnificent adaptation of Shakespeare's first major success which is even more remarkable for being Julie Taymor's debut feature film.
Anthony Hopkins gives one of his better screen performances as Titus Andronicus, a Roman general who through his rigid believe in order and duty triggers a tale of murder and revenge which, due to Taymor's deliberate blurring of time, seems to speak directly to us.
The vengeful Tamora is played surprisingly well by Jessica Lange in her Shakespearean debut - rooting her obvious villainy in her justifiable anger at Titus' needless sacrifice of her oldest son. Harry Lennix plays Aaron the true villain of the piece with an icy heart and great relish.
Alan Cumming's showboating style is for once well suited to the role of the petulant Emperor Saturninus and although the younger supporting cast are a bit under-powered there is solid support from Colm Feore as Titus' brother Marcus the sole voice of reason in the play.
Taymor's excellent mise-en-scene is aided by the clever production design of Dante Ferretti, Milena Canonero's evocative costumes and Elliot Goldenthal's ominous percussive score.
This review of Titus (1999) was written by Chris V on 05 May 2008.
Titus has generally received positive reviews.
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