Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare, Film Version

Background:
1. The movie is based on the play Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare, which is also the original source. There are a few differences between the play and movie adaptation and one of the most obvious is the added character of the young boy. Taymor also adds some newer technology as she incorporates cars, guns, and modern costuming into the movie. These did not exist during the time it was written by Shakespeare around 1593, with the first performance being in early 1594. (Shakespeare in quarto)
2. The characters in the movie are Young Lucius, Titus Andronicus, Tamora, Chiron, Demetrius, Aaron, Lucius, Saturninis, Bassianus, Marcus Andronicus, and Lavinia. Titus is the father of Lavinia, Lucius, and his other sons. Marcus is Titus’ brother. Saturninis is the brother of Bassianus, and husband to Tamora. Demetrius and Chiron are Tamora’s sons. The movie begins with a boy violently playing with his toys when suddenly Titus appears and takes him to the coliseum. The Goths have just been defeated in battle and Titus, the general of the Roman Army, following Roman religious practice, sacrifices the eldest son of Tamora, who is the queen of the Goths. Tamora then vows revenge on Titus. Saturninus and Bassianus, who are the sons of the old emperor, both want to become the new Emperor of Rome. The council elects Titus but he refuses because of his age and chooses Saturninus. Saturninus wants to marry Titus' daughter, Lavinia, and make her the empress however, she leaves him for his brother Bassianus. Lavinia's brothers, protect her, and Titus is forced to kill his youngest son for protecting her. Out of anger Saturninis marries Tamora. Everyone goes hunting. In the forest we first find out of Tamora and her secret relationsh...

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...strong light as it trying to represent the light of the moon, as there was no electricity in roman times. The white light signifies the hope of the scene and gives the feel that Titus is planning something and will finally get his revenge.
Sound:
1. The scene is right after Titus has killed Chiron and Demetrius and it opens with a zoom in or two meat pies. The music in the background is a song from the mid 1900’s and gives the feeling of an everyday dinner during this time. This modern style not only did that but also gave the impression that something is just not right with the pies. Here we are in roman times and suddenly the music starts playing and it really cemented the idea in my head that Titus had made the sons into the meat pie. It adds to Taymor’s idea of this not taking place in a real place and further pushes the question on if it is reality or a dream.