"Titus" - Vengeance is a Dish Best Served Cold by Homer Yen (c) 2000
"Titus Andronicus" was one of Shakespeare's first plays. It is not regarded as one of his better plays, but the story of an honorable warrior at odds with a spiteful Queen is nonetheless an ambitious and epochal tale of valor, vengeance and vindication. Shakespearean work has enjoyed a resurgence these last few years and we have come to enjoy some of his tales told through cinema with offerings such as Romeo + Juliet, Hamlet, and a Midsummer's Night Dream. "Titus" however has a much darker subject than any of these recent films. It is a tragic and seething drama about vengeance most foul. It is a chilling tale that showcases unbridled malice in a manner that is almost shocking and certainly unlike any Shakespeare work to which I have been exposed.
"Titus" of the film is played brilliantly by Anthony Hopkins, who seemed born to play this role. His loyalty to his king and country is so great that he would even slay his own kin without hesitation if it was the honorable thing to do. As part of his duties, he is to carry out a ritualistic sacrifice of a young man. The mother, Tamora (Jessica Lange), begs Titus to spare her son's life. But her pleas go unheard, and the deed is done. Tamora swears that she shall exact revenge when the time is appropriate. In other early scenes, we meet other characters that revolve around Titus's life. These include Saturninus (Alan Cumming) and Bassianus (James Frain), two Princes who are vying for the recently vacated throne. Livinia (Laura Fraser) is Titus's beautiful daughter who is betrothed to Bassianus, but is also the object of desire of Saturninus as well as Tamora's two sons, Chiron and Demetrius (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Matthew Rhys). We also meet the brother of Titus (Colm Feore); Titus's four sons; and Aaron the Moor (Harry Lennix), another schemer who is like a tutor to Tamora's two sons.
These introductions occur in the first 25 minutes of the film. With the number of characters being introduced and my inability to fully comprehend "Shakespeare-speak," I actually found it difficult to stay focused. In addition, the setting of the film is a fantastically dreamy and imaginative world where the past and present simultaneously co-exists. In one scene, you'll see chariots and spears. In another scene, you'll see motorcycles and machine guns. I say that it's like a dream because it's both beautiful, yet contextually challenging.
By the second act, the story becomes more focused. Tamora has ascended to Queen by winning the heart of Saturninus. With her new powers, she now begins her quest for revenge. Her sons also engage in rancorous behavior. However, their amorally reckless actions stem from youth and boredom rather than from a need for revenge. Tamora's and her sons' wickedness comes at great expense to Titus. The climax of the film is a hauntingly beautiful scene at a crossroads where Titus has finally exhausted all patience, and his loyalties have all but dissipated. Now the once-proud and honorable warrior must gather up his remaining strength to combat the injustice that has been afflicted upon him.
The film is appropriately rated "R" for adult themes involving decapitated body parts, implied cannibalism, and a wanton need for revenge. Though Shakespeare is taught at middle school levels, only the maturest of audiences should witness the baseness of the character's actions. In many ways, it is a beautiful film that is ambitious, creative, and showcases superb acting. Yet, for all it's achievements, I can not help but point out that the movie will probably only appeal to fans of Shakespeare's work. I also found parts of the story weak. I questioned the need for Titus's brother, lamented that the deliciousness of the Saturninus character (my favorite character) fades away as the film progresses, and found the ending to transpire too quickly given the dialogue-heavy structure of other vital scenes throughout the movie. In the theatre where I saw this, many were moved by the events that unfolded on the big screen. Others, however, slept soundly until the lights went up. I was sometimes at a loss, primarily due to my inability to fully comprehend "Shakespeare-speak". But, I was impressed with what I saw. I sat up and took notice. And, this film certainly deserves to be recognized.
Grade: B
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