Film HITLIST THE BEST FILM & DVD RELEASES
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Coriolanus Gerard Butler, Brian Cox and Vanessa Redgrave round out the cast for Ralph Fiennes’ first film in the director’s chair. See profile, right, and review, page 65. Selected release from Fri 20 Jan. Profile
RALPH FIENNES Born Ipswich, Suffolk, 22 December, 1962
Background Initially acting with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Fiennes gained international film recognition for his Oscar- nominated performance as Nazi Commander Amon Göeth in Schindler’s List (1993). Since then he’s played diabolical villains and romantic heroes, from Harry Potter’s Voldemort to The English Patient’s Almásy, but always characters with a certain enigmatic coldness to them. The same is true of his latest performance, as the titular general in Shakespeare’s Coriolanus – a modernised adaptation that’s also his directorial debut.
On the appeal of Coriolanus ‘It’s quite complex, as this protagonist is a soldier and a killer, but with a kind of extreme integrity that, alongside his arrogance and contempt, makes him kind of a puzzle. There’s no easy access into him, but I like playing characters with no easy access.’
On directing and acting simultaneously ‘Often my sense of directorial overview was quite strong; I knew what I wanted. But as an actor, I come with a sense of a starting point in a scene, where I want to discover things. It’s good to not know too much as an actor. So there’s two opposing headspaces, which was hard work.’ On casting Gerard Butler as his co-star ‘His first role was a walk-on in a theatre production of Coriolanus and he has an affectionate nostalgia for the play. I thought it was exciting, because it’s unexpected; you can see the question mark on people’s faces – Gerry Butler in Shakespeare? And yes, he brings a raw, macho quality to it, but what I love is that he is actually understated in lots of it, and I think it’s very powerful for that.’ (Paul Gallagher) ■ Coriolanus is on selected release from Fri 20 Jan.
Shame Steve McQueen’s follow-up to Hunger is a truthful presentation of sex addiction a world away from the puerile fratboy representations we’re used to seeing. See McQueen interview, page 63, and review, page 64. General release from Fri 13 Jan. Haywire Mixed martial artist Gina Carano is surrounded by top notch Hollywood talent (Ewan McGregor, Michael Douglas) in this pacey action thriller from Stephen Soderbergh. See review, page 65. General release from Wed 18 Jan.
War Horse Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s wartime drama hits the big screen this month, and a beautifully sentimental vision it is too. See review, page 64. General release from Fri 13 Jan.
The Descendants George Clooney delivers a star turn as an under- prepared father in Alexander Payne’s latest poignant comedy drama. See review, page 64. General release from Fri 27 Jan. Manipulate festival The visual theatre fest also screens animated works, including Israeli war film Waltz with Bashir (pictured). See previews, pages 69 and 99. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Mon 30 Jan–Sat 4 Feb.
Arika12 The first in a series of ‘episodes’ from the experimental arts collective is dedicated to discussing and examining ideology in filmmaking. See previews, pages 16 and 71. CCA, Glasgow, Thu 19–Sun 22 Jan.
Takeaway China The annual festival following Chinese New Year features an excellent programme of Chinese cinema, including Wong Kar Wai’s 2046. See preview, page 43. Various venues, Glasgow, Fri 20 Jan–Mon 6 Feb.
The Artist Frenchman Michel Hazanavicius’ ode to classic black and white silent cinema continues to delight audiences following its release in late December. See review at list.co.uk Selected release, out now.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Salander and Blomkvist (Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig) continue to work their magic in Fincher’s Millenium franchise reboot. See review at list.co.uk General release, out now.
62 THE LIST 5 Jan–2 Feb 2012