The Tempest (2010) directed by Julie Taymor
Djimon Hounsou plays Caliban in this film adaptation of The Tempest. I chose this performance clip because nothing is said here, yet Hounsou’s Caliban manages to convey the human sensitivity with monstrousness that Shakespeare’s Caliban calls for us to examine.
Caliban’s appearance in this clip is clearly human in figure, yet he is also marked with scarring, discolorations and a nakedness that make him stand out as “other.” Prospera, played by Helen Mirren, is pristine and immaculate in comparison with her flawless skin and tailored outfit. She clearly holds power over this comparatively monstrous Caliban, as he stands still while she quickly approaches. And yet, when she sees his eyes bloodshot with tears, she seems to also realize, and examine, the sort of monstrous power that she has over him. In Caliban’s tears lie his humanity – his poetry, so to speak – which points out where Prospera’s own humanity may be lacking.
This depiction of Caliban is similar to the illustrations created by Mortimer and Buchel, who both demonstrated Caliban’s humanity through his fear. And while his fear might subject him to Prospera, that same human-like fear also subverts Prospera’s understanding of him as a savage. He is not all she believes him to be. There is something quite beautiful about the ending scene of the clip, where Caliban walks off by himself and is shot alone and above Prospera. He stands by the doors, pauses, then walks out. For once, it seems that he is seen as himself and is thus in control of himself.
Poetry of Caliban 