Managed to get up early enough this morning to see an early showing at the cinema. Always good, as they’re less busy. Coriolanus opened yesterday and is Ralph Fiennes directorial debut. I have neither read nor seen the play, but I found it to be a terrific contemporary adaptation. Filmed I believe in Serbia, one clearly sees the links to the Balkan Conflict, but also the more recent uprisings in Egypt and Libya.
It is superbly shot by handheld camera which adds to the authenticity and the use of rolling news coverage (including Jon Snow) is a clever device. Superb cast, with great performances from Fiennes as Coriolanus (frightening), Brian Cox (cunning), and most impressively Vanessa Redgrave (domineering). I think she has been largely ignored at awards ceremonies which is a crying shame.
