If you Google Coriolanus many of the results will be of Tom Hiddleston in England performing this production. Quite glad that TIFF has brought this, to the big screen with Books On Film.
One of the first films I saw on the big screen as an adaptation of sorts was the Joseph Fiennes starring The Merchant of Venice. Though this was long ago back in high school, it feels as though I was back there again. Glad to have learned before and continue learning with TIFF’s stunning program.
With TIFF Bell Lightbox introducing for it’s 25th show, Books On Film is a series in which professionals discuss why and how these stories have become what they are.
For those who may not be familar, Fiennes’ Coriolanus takes place in “Rome” ( quotations as this is a modern adaptation ) and after being banished from his city because of the people and frenemies, he partners with his ally ( played by the dashing Gerard Butler ) for a very intense and strongly emotive play-turned-film.
After the screening James Shapiro a Shakespeare scholar, sat down with CBC’s Eleanor Wachtel for a Q&A which was later open to the floor.
When I was in England I was sure to take many photos, but mostly to pick up on the atmosphere of the Shakespearan world that existed before.
Someone asked “What is the Shakespeare production that was the best for you.. your favourite?” Shapiro replied that the best show for anyone is the one that they see between the ages of 17 and 20. When it hits you like a splash of ice cold water in the face. For me at the time, this was Hamlet by Kenneth Branagh. If you have not seen that one you must.
In watching Ralph Fiennes, I could feel that he is truly a Shakespearean. He understood the book and naturally brought it to the big screen. While making a Shakespeare production a Hollywood modern-day film is no easy task, the film addresses the key points in the play. It gives you chills that are just as strong whether during moments of brutality or uncomfortable silence.
Shakespeare though his stories took place in a different time, as said as well by Shapiro, it is too easy and scary to see how similar many of the people and situations are.
If you’re a book lover, film lover or both, Books on Film is a beautiful series that will surely teach you something. If nothing else, leave you knowing something you didn’t think you’d learn about the film or about yourself.
Best always,
Melissa ♥
Melissa Loves Toronto 