|
|
Rating:  - The best if possibly the least well known
When people think of Shakespeare, they usually think of Remeo and Juliet or Midsummer night's Dream. Happy comical theatre that they read in Highschool or latter classes for the young lovers. But he explored the darker side of human nature as well, and just as effectively. King Lear and McBeth (the Scottish Play, for all you superstitious thespians) showcased it but perhaps the strongest and most deep observance was Titus. This play had everything, murder, betrayal, maiming, rape, intrigue and famillial strife all in a well written package. The film is true to the written text, it maintains the meters and the dialogue very well and the acting, especially by Hpkins (of Course!) is top notch. The Over the top revamping of the previous years Romeo and Juliet are somwhat oresent as some artisitc liscence was given to set and props (like having cars in Rome with gun toting guards) but the embelishments are not so hard to distract from the plot or deviate from what i think was the authentic aim of the piece. It is not for the squeemish at all mind you, as it graphically depicts violence and depravity as only humans are capable. it has been said that "what the tiger does by tooth and nail, man does for pleasure", and Titus is proof. It is an emotionally engaging work and it almost forces the viewer to associate with every character, including the "bad ones" as, through the gift of seeing through the 4th wall, we know the stories of all involved. Vengance, wrath, lust and the works. I have bought numerous copies of this as I have given some away and some lent out enver returned to me, even from folks that always retunr things, proving to me that it is a fine item for a collection.
Rating:  - great film; an unusual interpretation of shakespeare
this film is insane. it makes the book seem more traditional. there are cars and guns. but the acting is pretty superb and the story line is actually pretty cnsistent with the book. please please don't use drugs when watching this film; you might go crazy...
Rating:  - Top candidate for the 10 worst list.
I almost never give a film a one star rating. But when the dollars to dumb gap gets to the mega-level of Titus - It gives me no choice.
I have read that numerous Shakespearian historians give Titus Andronicus the dubiously honor of being one Shakespeare's very worst plays so it boggles the mind that it would ever be the choice for an ultra expensive film. I stayed for three quarters of the film before walking out. It is virtually impossible to care about Shakespeare's original mediocre story due to a multitude of astonishing production choices and distractions in the film. For example: an incomprehensible time in history and location, ludicrous props (such as the emperors massive sheet metal throne), absurd costumes, affected posing and notice-me readings by the actors, needless slow motion gore scenes and questionable camera choices by the director. Unadulterated pretension laid on layer after layer with a trowel. The effect is you feel you are watching a hodgepodge of outlandish ideas with no center. There is such a lack of restraint that after a while you become deadened to anything that is happening on the screen. The ideas for the film may have seemed interesting on paper and there are many talented people involved with this film. Unfortunately the realization didn't work. To be fair to the filmmakers the original play was not much to get excited about to begin with. The picture of Titus's expression on the cover is a good indication of the mind-numb you will have if you sit through this film.
Rating: - Speechless...
I am a Shakespeare freak, but I have never seen one of his plays done with such care and love. Titus, revolves around Titus Andronicus, a Roman General with a habit of standing by tradition. But as the corruption within the empire causes death (and even worse) within his family, his way of life begins to change. Based off the play that made Shakespeare famous, Titus is an incredible sight to see. Created by Julie Taymor, director of the Lion King on Broadway, and Frida, the film is a visual experience. One must be warned, however, that the film can become gruesomely violent. It is, after all, a story of revenge.
I highly reccomend this DVD to anyone who has a taste for experimental narrative film making. But really, I recommends this film to anyone. An important piece in stylized film making.
Rating: - Unfortunate
I'm afraid I have to agree with another reviewer that the "time shift" employed here completely destroys the story. This movie would chase cars if you left in on the portch!
|
|