The first trailer for Coriolanus has been released. Ralph Fiennes will be starring in and making his directorial debut with the film, which is a modern update of Shakespeare‘s tragedy.
Judging by the trailer, it looks like we’re going to be getting a rather compelling and intense movie backed by an all star cast that includes names like Gerard Butler, Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Chastain, Brian Cox and James Nesbitt. There is a lot of very positive buzz circling the film as well, particularly for Redgrave’s performance, which is said to be Oscar worthy.
Being a film based on a story by Shakespeare, I was a bit hesitant when I heard about it. After the trailer though, I’m super excited for this one. The modern setting that the story takes place in looks like it’s going to work very well and frankly, you can’t even tell this is based on a Shakespeare play.
I really wasn’t expecting anything like this from the film but I must say, it looks absolutely fantastic. The gritty warfare and Fiennes’ fierce performance standout in the trailer as does the excellent supporting cast. All things considered, I’d say that this one has a very good shot at taking home a couple statues come Awards season.
Check out the trailer below and let us know what you think.
Coriolanus will have a limited theatrical release starting on December 2nd.
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Caius Martius ‘Coriolanus’ (Fiennes), a revered and feared Roman General is at odds with the city of Rome and his fellow citizens. Pushed by his controlling and ambitious mother Volumnia (Redgrave) to seek the exalted and powerful position of Consul, he is loath to ingratiate himself with the masses whose votes he needs in order to secure the office. When the public refuse to support him, Coriolanus’s anger prompts a riot which culminates in his expulsion from Rome. The banished hero then allies himself with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Butler) to take his revenge on the city.