The production brought something to mind similar to Sir Ian McKellen's 1995 take on "Richard III," as Ralph Fiennes directs this Shakespearean story centered around ambition and treachery. It might not be the most recognizable of Shakespeare’s plays, and personally I don’t consider it among his most inventive works either. The narrative shares elements with “Julius Caesar,” portraying the ascent and decline of the dictator named in the title (Fiennes). Things begin when a hungry populace takes to the streets and their leader—someone who seems to have little regard for these people—is unexpectedly removed from power by a council, which includes his own mother (Vanessa Redgrave), and banished. Feeling defeated and angry, he makes something of an agreement with his worst foe “Aufidius” (Gerard Butler, who seemed somewhat out of his depth) and pledges loyalty to him. It’s unclear whether he can inspire this new associate to assist in reclaiming what he's lost—and, more consistently throughout the complicated tangle of lies and mistrust, if anyone can truly rely on others to honor their commitments. The film is visually appealing, and the actors are skilled at delivering some of the moving and insightful lines found within this political drama. However, I felt that a bit too much subtlety had to be cut from this inevitably shortened version, and somehow the fact that it wasn’t performed onstage diminished the impact of the characters. Although she appeared perfectly believable in her quasi-Fascist attire, I thought Redgrave seemed lacking in feeling during her performance, while Fiennes tried to make up for that with numerous close-ups highlighting his nostrils flaring and Adam's apple bobbing. As frequently happens with these adaptations, they can’t be as lengthy as the original material and therefore have to make sacrifices. This one went a bit too far in that direction for my taste. Nevertheless, if it motivates people to read Shakespeare, then it is a worthwhile cinematic effort.

Source on TMDB