Titus (1999)

Directed by: Julie Taymor | 162 minutes | drama, history, thriller | Actors: Osheen Jones, Dario D’Ambrosi, Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange, Raz Degan, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Matthew Rhys, Harry J. Lennix, Angus MacFadyen, Kenny Doughty, Blake Ritson, Colin Wells, Ettore Geri, Alan Cumming, Constantine Gregory, James Frain, Colm Feore, Laura Fraser

Before director Julie Taymor delighted the world with ‘Frida’ (2002), she made the film ‘Titus’. Unlike ‘Frida’, ‘Titus’ could not count on much publicity from the media. Completely wrong, because her adaptation of this old Shakespeare play has provided a captivating and unique film experience.

The film starts overwhelmingly with a scene in which a boy plays with toy soldiers on a kitchen table. Suddenly there is an explosion and the boy is taken away by a fierce soldier. The next moment you see an army of Roman soldiers saluting. ‘Titus’ has begun! With dynamic camera angles and visual tricks, the film creates a special atmosphere right from the start. The strange, surreal setting of the old-fashioned Roman Empire in combination with modern technology such as microphones and futuristic weapons give the print a unique face.

The story is recited in the original text. That is, exactly as Shakespeare wrote it. The long sentences, the theatrical narrative and grotesque language fit well with the atmosphere of the print. In some passages, the characters speak to the viewer, turning directly to the camera. In this way the viewer is kept on the line in this rather complex film. The story is full of plot twists and old-fashioned language and is fairly tough. The director realizes this all too well and manages to solve this by giving the unique setting and the actors all the space they need. Even the most gruesome scenes get a kind of beauty, because of the beautiful use of color and camerawork. And the print has many cruel and gruesome scenes; murder, rape and torture all pass by. At its core, ‘Titus’ is a pure revenge film.

‘Titus’ can count on a very talented cast full of veterans and young talent. Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the title role passionately. The acting talent of the old Briton is fully utilized and again Hopkins manages to put down a fantastic performance. His talent comes into its own in drama films, as well as in ‘Titus’. Hopkins can use all his talents in the character of the emotional and tormented Titus Andronicus. Other acting veterans like Jessica Lange also land powerful roles. The acting is very impressive. The young cast including Alan Cumming (‘Nightcrawler’ from ‘X2’ (2003)) and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers play with visible pleasure. All the actors do a good job and strengthen the credibility of the film. Although the acting of the cast is aimed at the theater, that is appropriate for the ‘feel’ of the film.

The music seems strange at first sight, but it is very well chosen. Rock and jazz are interspersed with classic work. Each scene has a different musical setting, but the compositions are very appropriate and strongly selected. Nicely done, just like the entire finish of the film. The visual splendor and the intense acting make ‘Titus’ a strong film experience that every cinema lover should see at least once.