Sporting a full beard, British actor Ralph Fiennes, graced the red carpet at the London Film Festival for the premiere of his new film 'Coriolanus'.
'Coriolanus' doesn't just see Fiennes in the title role but also reveals the actor's directorial skills for the first time.
SOUNDBITE Ralph Fiennes, Director and Actor, saying (English):
"I have just directed this one thing and it's new and it's full of things, I see it and I would like to do it again as you see things I you wish you could do differently, but no, it's exhilarating to be, I think as long as you have something that you are passionate about to direct, I would love to do it again, but not to give up acting."
Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare's most complicated and longest plays. For his adaptation Fiennes has moved the action from ancient Rome to war-torn Eastern Europe.
Fellow actress Vanessa Redgrave was full of praise for the star's talents.
SOUNDBITE: Vanessa Redgrave, actress, saying (English):
"Well I think Ralph's made a wonderful film. I certainly loved working with him as a director and as an actor. And I think he has surprised all of us, not because I didn't expect him to superb work I did, but expectations is one thing and achievement is another and I think Ralph has made a wonderful film and I hope lots of young people get to see it."
Fiennes wasn't completely new to 'Coriolanus'.
The actor already played the same role on stage a decade ago but admitted that combining acting with directing this time round meant a lot of hard work and dedication.
SOUNDBITE Ralph Fiennes, director and actor, saying (English):
"It's difficult, I mean I knew the part and I knew if I was taking on this two-headed beast as it were I would have to be very very prepared so tried to you know, just know my locations, my script my storyboards inside out. And also supported by amazing team of people, had someone there to guide me on my own performance and give me feedback."
With Oscar whispers making the rounds already, Coriolanus is set for a comfortable opening in the UK and the U.S. in January 2012.
Mirja Mey, Reuters
