Move over, "Gladiator," there's a new violent epic in town — "Titus." And believe it or not, it's based on a Shakespeare play.
Not that it should come as a complete surprise. The source material, "Titus Andronicus," is probably the Bard's most violent play, and this deliriously over-the-top adaptation can't really be called restrained in any sense of that word.
In fact, in terms of production design, this neo-modernist piece looks like it could have been inspired by oddball filmmaker Terry Gilliam ("Time Bandits," "Brazil"), while its content (which includes murder, rape, sex and cannibalism) recalls the work of Peter Greenaway ("The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover").
If that's not bizarre enough, the film was directed by Julie Taymor, who staged Disney's "The Lion King" on Broadway. This is about as far removed from that as she could get and remain "theatrical."
As ridiculous as things get at times, that the whole thing doesn't collapse on itself can be attributed to the cast, led by Anthony Hopkins as the title character, a Roman general who's just returned from a successful campaign against the Goths.
Because of his victory, Titus is the popular choice to succeed the recently deceased emperor. But to everyone's surprise, he refuses and supports the claim to the throne by Caesar's son, Saturninus (Alan Cumming).
In an attempt to unite both families, Saturninus chooses Titus' daughter, Lavinia (Laura Fraser), to be his bride. But she refuses, out of love for the emperor's brother, Bassianus (James Frain). So, partly out of spite, the new emperor instead marries captured Goth queen Tamora (Jessica Lange), who is delighted by this turn of events.
This schemer begins to exact her revenge against Titus and his family, whom she blames for the death of one of her sons. Surviving sons Demetrius and Chiron (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Matthew Rhys) rape and mutilate Lavinia and murder Bassianus, framing two of Titus' sons for the latter crime.
As a result, Titus and the surviving family members are forced into exile, where they begin a revenge scheme of their own.
"Titus" is a terrific-looking film, thanks to the elaborate set pieces and costuming. But you get the feeling that, as a first-time filmmaker, Taymor has bitten off more than she can chew.
In particular, her attempts to broach such subjects as racism and violence in the media are unsuccessful. And the energy level of the film begins to wane seriously in the middle, though things do pick up in the finale.
But throughout, Hopkins is the glue that holds it all together. The cagey veteran does a marvelous job of making you question whether his character has gone mad, or if there is a method to his madness.
Of the supporting cast, Lange has the showiest role, though Tony Award-winner Cumming ("Cabaret"), Harry J. Lennix and Angus Macfadyen make the most of their screen time.
"Titus" is rated R for graphic violence (including stabbings and throat-slitting) and gore, full male and female nudity, graphic simulated sex acts, a rape (shown symbolically) and crude sexual double-entendres. Running time: 162 minutes.
You can reach Jeff Vice by e-mail at jeff@desnews.com