Titus Andronicus (1985) (TV)

User Rating:

8.2/10   

Director:

Jane Howell

Writer:

William Shakespeare (play)

Release Date:

29 June 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Horror

Plot:

Having subdued the Goths, warrior Titus Andronicus returns to Rome to bury his sons, with Gothic Queen Tamora and her retinue as captives...

Plot Keywords:

Accidental Cannibalism | Execution | Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus | Black Comedy | Jacobian Drama

Cast

Paul Davies Prowles	...	Young Lucius
Edward Hardwicke	...	Marcus
Walter Brown	...	Aemilius
Brian Protheroe	...	Saturninus
Nicholas Gecks	...	Bassianus
Derek Fuke	...	Captain / 3rd Goth / Sempronius
Eileen Atkins	...	Queen Tamora
Peter Searles	...	Alarbus / 4th Goth / Valentine
Neil McCaul	...	Demetrius
Michael Crompton	...	Chiron
Hugh Quarshie	...	Aaron
Gavin Richards	...	Lucius
Crispin Redman	...	Quintus
Tom Hunsinger	...	Martius
Michael Packer	...	Mutius

Also Known As:

The Complete Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare: Titus Andronicus (USA) (video title)

Runtime:

USA:135 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Goofs:

Anachronisms: Young Lucius wears glasses throughout the film but these were not invented until the Middle Ages.

Movie Connections:

References Mr. Wu (1927)

Nice

One of the BBC series which I can respect on the basis that it is approached like a stage performance. It is bound largely to one set which may disappoint some people, but works quite well if you consider it as a piece of theater. Performances are theatrical and large, some hit and some miss. One definite miss is the much misconcieved Aaron the moor who seems more jovial than the evil precursor to Shakespeare's later Iago. Lavinia and Tamora also seem a bit weak and off the mark, but then Lavinia is hardly afforded the time within the play to truly establish sympathy. Tamora fares better, but still seems like it could do with a bit more regal poise. She was a queen after all. The good performances on the other hand do have their flaws, but are largely very strong. Saturninus is way over the top, but admirably tackles the huge ego and short temper of the sinister ruler. Special kudos must be awarded to the actor portraying Marcus Andronicus. He achieves the moments of over the top style reflected in much of the cast, but he also has moments of wonderful subtlety and maintains a stoic and staid respectability. His performance may very well be the finest in the production. Finally, Peacock most noticeably brings his weighty gravely voice to Titus, and brings with it the necessary bellowing fire to the whole affair. His performance is even larger and more stylized than most, but I was actually moved deeply by some of his speeches in the scene immediately after he has his hand lopped off. When reading the play, they are just words on a page, but his voice cries out to the rafters full of anguish and horror at the events beset upon him. Quite nice. On the whole, the affair is carried off with a fire and style that may occasionally be missed in Shakespeare productions, and that helps one to overlook it's flaws. Maybe not an incredible video, but good theater.