|
"Cleopatra"
This 1963 extravaganza, directed by
Joseph L. Mankiewicz, is certainly an epic historical drama with
all the elements: elaborate sets, intricate costuming, name actors,
a factual basis, and an overlong script (just over four hours).
But the acting is well performed and the backdrops are lush,
making this a film worth seeing. Elizabeth Taylor is Cleopatra,
the Egyptian queen who seduces Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison) in
a political move to hold onto her empire. When Caesar is killed
in the Roman Senate, Cleopatra looks to Marc Antony (Richard
Burton) for his support, practically enslaving him with her wiles.Taylor
is dramatic in her role, at times overly serious, but stunning
nonetheless as the woman described as "well versed in the
natural sciences and mathematics. Taylor speaks seven languages
proficiently. Were she not a woman one would consider her to
be an intellectual." While the film does seem to drag at
moments, it deserves the four Oscars it won for cinematography,
art direction-set direction, costumes, and special effects. Don't
confuse this Cleopatra with the 1934 version directed by Cecil
B. DeMille and starring Claudette Colbert. --Jenny Brown |
......
