Titus (1999)

the parts exceed the sum
A beautifully insane presentation of a play full of gullibility, naivete, happenstance, mood swings, and "black rage." The silliness that was late Rome is captured with flair. It may not be a great play but it does give Hopkins plenty of opportunities. Shakespeare on film doesn't get much better than this with excellent use of special effects that have the ring of authenticity. The imagery is the thing and its music is wonderful.

Insane, Brilliant, Mad
Madness. This is a visually beautiful movie. Just insane, the creativity. Overlooked by many.

A movie in period style would just look campy. Instead, this movie uses props and costumes that fit the STORY in a stylish and beautiful way.

When we drop the need to be historical (hey, we know this is ancient Rome) then additional meaning can be injected using our modern visual metaphors. This ends up more sophisticated and lush.

So the story evokes Hitler, modernism, classical Roman style, the outdoors, and ends up timeless. This is wildly ambitious movie making. What a treat. Also, what a great play.

The best if possibly the least well known
When people think of Shakespeare, they usually think of Remeo and Juliet or Midsummer night's Dream. Happy comical theatre that they read in Highschool or latter classes for the young lovers. But he explored the darker side of human nature as well, and just as effectively. King Lear and McBeth (the Scottish Play, for all you superstitious thespians) showcased it but perhaps the strongest and most deep observance was Titus. This play had everything, murder, betrayal, maiming, rape, intrigue and famillial strife all in a well written package. The film is true to the written text, it maintains the meters and the dialogue very well and the acting, especially by Hpkins (of Course!) is top notch. The Over the top revamping of the previous years Romeo and Juliet are somwhat oresent as some artisitc liscence was given to set and props (like having cars in Rome with gun toting guards) but the embelishments are not so hard to distract from the plot or deviate from what i think was the authentic aim of the piece. It is not for the squeemish at all mind you, as it graphically depicts violence and depravity as only humans are capable. it has been said that "what the tiger does by tooth and nail, man does for pleasure", and Titus is proof. It is an emotionally engaging work and it almost forces the viewer to associate with every character, including the "bad ones" as, through the gift of seeing through the 4th wall, we know the stories of all involved. Vengance, wrath, lust and the works. I have bought numerous copies of this as I have given some away and some lent out enver returned to me, even from folks that always retunr things, proving to me that it is a fine item for a collection.