Cast
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David Calder
as Julius Caesar
Michelle Fairley
as Caius Cassius
David Morrissey
as Mark Antony
Ben Whishaw
as Marcus Brutus
Wendy Kweh
as Calpurnia, Caesar's Wife/Varro, Brutus' Army
Leaphia Darko
as Portia, Brutus's Wife
Fred Fergus
as Lucius, Brutus's Aide/Cinna, A Poet/Street Band
Kit Young
as Octavius, Caesar's Heir/Street Band
Mark Penfold
as Lepidus, Triumvirate/Caius Ligarius, Conspirator/Soothsayer
Adjoa Andoh
as Casca, Conspirator
Nick Sampson
as Cinna, Conspirator
Leila Farzad
as Decius Brutus, Conspirator
Hannah Stokely
as Metellus Cimber, Conspirator
Abraham Popoola
as Trebonius, Conspirator/Street Band
Sid Sagar
as Flavius, Tribune / Popilius Lena, Senator
Crew
Director
- Tony Grech-Smith
Producer
- Flo Buckeridge
- Kate Moore
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Tony Grech-Smith brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 138 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 190 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike National Theatre Live: She Stoops to Conquer, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like National Theatre Live: A Disappearing Number and National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art explore similar territory, National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 22, 2018
- Runtime: 2h 18m
