Cast
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Ralph Fiennes
as Antony
Sophie Okonedo
as Cleopatra
Tim McMullan
as Enobarbus
Tunji Kasim
as Octavius Caesar
Nicholas Le Prevost
as Lepidus
Hannah Morrish
as Octavia
Sargon Yelda
as Pompey
Fisayo Akinade
as Eros
Gloria Obianyo
as Charmian
Georgia Landers
as Iras
Gerald Gyimah
as Menas
Sam Woolf
as Thidias
Waleed Hammad
as Varrius
Alexander Cobb
as Scarus
Hiba Elchikhe
as Soothsayer
Crew
Director
- Simon Godwin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, National Theatre Live: Antony & Cleopatra 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 Simon Godwin 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: Antony & Cleopatra took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 188 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 213 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 69 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While National Theatre Live: Antony & Cleopatra 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: Hamlet, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, National Theatre Live: Antony & Cleopatra subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art and National Theatre Live: Hansard explore similar territory, National Theatre Live: Antony & Cleopatra 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: December 6, 2018
- Runtime: 3h 8m
