Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 3530941006986
Format: Anamorphic, Full Screen, NTSC
Region Code: 2
Theatrical Release Date: February 11, 2000
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video:
Considered by many to be Shakespeare's worst play, Titus Andronicus is a bloodthirsty tragedy full of villainous heroes and bottomless revenge--hardly the stuff of big-screen directorial debuts, it would seem. Yet Julie Taymor dives headfirst into moviemaking with Titus, a spectacular adaptation that manages to find beauty and humor in the piles of carnage.
The story begins simply enough by Shakespearean standards: celebrated Roman warrior Titus Andronicus (Anthony Hopkins) returns from a hard-won victory to bury his slain sons and avenge their deaths by killing the eldest son of his enemy, Tamora, queen of the Goths (Jessica Lange). Tamora responds by seducing the impressionable new emperor and setting all of Rome into a downward spiral of revenge, madness, and death.
Taymor, who won a Tony for her Broadway production of The Lion King, throws all her theatrical sensibilities at the story--armies are exquisitely choreographed, blood is shed so beautifully that it hardly seems real, and characters are costumed in symbolic combinations of ancient Roman and 20th-century garb. She plays up the dark comedy at every opportunity, lending a carnival flavor to the story's most gruesome moments. Excellent performances from Hopkins (whose deranged Titus is more than a little reminiscent of Hannibal Lecter), Lange, and the supporting cast help make the endless treachery credible. --Claire Campbell
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Where for art thou Shakespeare?
Julie Taymor's highly stylized, complex vision of "The Lion King" on stage is a testament to her prowess as a power player in the theatrical arena; main issue is it doesn't translate to the highly ambitious, but oftentimes, unintentional insanity that is TITUS.
I have an affinity for Hopkins (who doesn't?), but even he can't save this jumbled flim-flam from the very beginning. The ticker-tape parades, the "Dr. No-esque" costumes of the wannabe emperors, the Goth "teens" obsession with a simpering, unimpressive, slightly *unattractive* (could they put more color into her face please!) Lavinia, were completely unbelievable.
One thing I disagree with several of my fellow Amazonians is the violence in the film. I didn't notice an overabundance of torture, mayhem, and destruction (the end result of Lavinia is the pathetic aspect of that scene with her Uncle Andronicus-but the film doesn't show the Goth sons actually mutilating her). It's violent, but not gratuitous violence (the ending of the film is perhaps the most visually nauseating; be prepared).
The 2 stars are reserved purely for Harry J. Lennix. I've been a fan of his work for a very long time, and to see him get justifiable screen time as THE top villain in a film filled with them is gratifying.
Rating: - Titus - a strange movie
I purchased this expecting something close to an Alexander or some other era movie. It is a modern representation of a Roman time with cars and protests. Its almost a 70's rendition of the Titus character. Its not for eveyone.
Rating: - 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.
Rating:  - 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.
Rating: - 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 ... Read More
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