Cast
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Elizabeth Taylor
as Cleopatra
Richard Burton
as Marcus Antonius
Rex Harrison
as Julius Caesar
Pamela Brown
as High Priestess
George Cole
as Flavius
Hume Cronyn
as Sosigenes
Cesare Danova
as Apollodorus
Kenneth Haigh
as Brutus
Andrew Keir
as Agrippa
Martin Landau
as Rufio
Roddy McDowall
as Octavian - Caesar Augustus
Robert Stephens
as Germanicus
Francesca Annis
as Eiras
Grégoire Aslan
as Pothinus
Martin Benson
as Ramos
Crew
Director
- Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Producer
- Walter Wanger
Reviews
John Chard
On Your Knees!
On your knees! It's something that Cleopatra her self shouts at a stunned Mark Antony, but it could quite literally have been shouted by many in Hollywood at 20th Century Fox as their gargantuan epic threatened to sink them. The trials and tribulations surrounding the film are stuff of legend, all of which makes for a film itself, but I will not go over old ground, there's a couple of great documentaries available out there and they are required viewing. They also help to explain somewhat why Cleopatra is not the genre defining classic many hoped it would be. Truth is is that no film could have lived up to the expectation that surrounded Cleopatra, as it is, with flaws and all, it's still a enjoyably lavish spectacle, harking back to a time when grandiose meant something. In fact a time of film making we could do with in today's day and age of retreads, remakes and soppy sequels.
Split in to two narratives, that of Caesar & Cleopatra and Antony & Cleopatra, film basically deals with how Rome sought to conquer Egypt as Cleopatra clung on grimly in power and affairs of the heart. A cast of quality thespians stand straight backed and deliver the plot machinations, set to the backdrop of magnificent ornate sets, period costuming, piercing photography and a pulse pounding musical score. Quite simply the grandeur and scope is stunning in its presentation. Not all the dialogue works, and there are passages of exchanges that come off as undernourished; while soap operatics take a hold in the second part of the film. Yet for the historical epic fan there is just too much that is great for this to be ignored or considered a stinker. From Rex Harrison - Elizabeth Taylor - Richard Burton & Roddy McDowall, to the opulence seeping from every pore, Cleopatra is a joyous eye opening experience. Yes! Flaws and all. 8/10
Sep 26, 2014
CinemaSerf
An excellent example of what you can do when money is no object - except, here, in the writing department where this is simply no substitute for a succinct and creative hand at the typewriter. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton successfully - if a little too theatrically - carry off their portion of this epic tale of the life of probably the world's most famous woman of antiquity. Rex Harrison, much less so as Caesar - but combined I think this is actually a far better film than the critics at the time declared. The cinematography and scale of the production are unsurpassed as are the costumes, and married with Alex North's suitably orchestral score, you really do get a sense of the opulence and grandeur of Cleopatra's court. Unfortunately, the supporting cast - Roddy McDowell; Martin Landau and Andrew Keir in particular don't quite cut it and so the story sort of fizzles out towards the end. Nonetheless, we will never see the likes of a film like this again and we ought to celebrate that.
Jun 1, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Cleopatra examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz 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 1963, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Cleopatra took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $44.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 251 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 309 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1013 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1963, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While 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 Me and Orson Welles, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Cleopatra subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Hello, Dolly! and Jodhaa Akbar explore similar territory, Cleopatra stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 12, 1963
- Runtime: 4h 11m
- Budget: $44,000,000
- Revenue: $57,779,280
Where to Watch
