Richard Olley
P677437X
Assignment 1
Compare and Contrast the depictions of Cleopatra in the 1934 and 1963 movies as shown and discussed on the DVD video (Cleopatra, (2010) The arts past and present (AA100) DVD video for Book 1, Reputations)
There have been numerous depictions of Cleopatra in cinema, in the last century and the visual signifiers employed in this media are highly reflective of their era and cultural context. The purpose of this essay will be to examine the 1934 Cecil B Demille version of Cleopatra starring Claudette Colbert and the 20th Century Fox production of Cleopatra (1963) starring Elizabeth Taylor, and highlight some of the similarities similarities and differences between the two films whilst scrutinizing scrutinizing the historical circumstances circumstances in which both films were made. When comparing both films it is hard to overlook the manner in which Cleopatra is portrayed. Both films depict Cleopatra as a white Anglo-American, whilst showcasing their leads, Elizabeth Taylor and Claudette Colbert, sporting a variety of extravagant outfits. What is also noticeable is that both films are billed as epic e pic romances, which neglects the historical aspect of Cleopatra as an intelligent intelligent and empowered stateswoman. In contrast to the 1934 version, Elizabeth Taylor’s 1963 portrayal has a ‘coolly imperious’ imperious’ (Cleopatra DVD (2010)) Cleopatra, contra distinct to Claudette Colbert’s ‘love struck’ queen. Claudette Colbert was not only an actress but also a ‘living mannequin’, modelling clothes, hairstyles and clothing. During the the 1930’s, North America America and Western Europe were at the height of the art deco movement, and receptive to Egyptianised themes, ensuring a greater cultural and aesthetic impact for Colbert’s Cleopatra than Elizabeth Taylor’s. It is easy to see that Cecil B Demille’s Demille’s vision had ‘Cleopatra’s role as a queen and stateswoman buried beneath the romance’ (Cleopatra DVD (2010)) of Anthony and Caesar rather than a queen proficient in political intrigue. The 30’s had seen great social upheaval for women, with voting
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Richard Olley
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Assignment 1
rights only attained 6 years previously and increasing demand for equality in the work place. These contextual considerations might suggest that media representation of B.Demille’s Cleopatra still had an antiquated and oppressive representation of women. The cultural context of the 1960’s when there was another resurgence of feminism surely made an impact on how Cleopatra was portrayed on the big screen. The Cleopatra of 1963 was an intelligent woman who played to the misconceptions of the Romans, and this might indicate a more realistic depiction of a powerful woman. There was also a significant difference in budget. Cecil B Demille’s film was shot in black and white and filmed during the Great Depression of the 30’s where the company’s budget would have been stretched. At the other end of the scale, Fox’s extravagant production pushed the company towards bankruptcy and awarded Elizabeth Taylor the first million dollar fee.
Subsequently, even though both productions share focus on the same subject, Queen Cleopatra, the differences most certainly outweigh the similarities. The manner in which the queen was portrayed is the most significant, from B Demille’s ditsy ‘comedy of modern manners in fancy dress’ (Cleopatra DVD (2010)) to Fox’s shrewd stateswoman reflecting the contemporary concerns of women of her era.
Bibliography Cleopatra (2010) (AA100 DVD), Milton Keynes, The Open University Trevor Fear (2010) (AA100 Book 1, Reputations), Milton Keynes, The Open University
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Richard Olley
P677437X
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Assignment 1
