Titus (1999)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  162 Minutes

Rated: R

Genre: Drama, History, Thriller

Director: Julie Taymor

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange, Osheen Jones, Alan Cumming, Colm Feore, Harry Lennix, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Matthew Rhys

IMDB Rank: 7.1/10

Part 1 Time: 99 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 63 Minutes

****As noted in works of Shakespeare, an intermission is left to discretion the director and can be placed following the end of any scene. In this scene adaptation of Titus Andronicus the intermission point takes place in Act IV between scene I and II.

Where does the first part end? The first part ends with Young Lucius (Osheen Jones), Marcus (Colm Feore) and Titus (Anthony Hopkins) speaking outside of Titus Andronicus’ villa (End of Act IV, Scene 1).

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Revenge the heavens for old Andronicus”- Marcus Andronicus speaks to Young Lucius and Titus Andronicus.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Demetrius, here’s the son of Lucius; he hath some message to deliver us” -Chiron (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) speaks to Demetrius (Matthew Rhys) as Young Lucius enters.

 How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, Titus has been through many horrible events following his defeat of the Goths and as a result is becoming insane. Titus knows who is to blame for these injustices to his family. How Titus will extract his revenge?

Which part is better? In part one we see the horrific events that many members of the Andronicus family are subjected to. In part two, Titus begins his revenge. Part two is better has it concludes the story in true Shakespearean tragedy.

Academy Awards: Best Costume Design (Nominated)