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 and differences between the two films whilst scrutinizing the historical 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 romances, which neglects the historical aspect of Cleopatra as an intelligent and empowered stateswoman. In contrast to the 1934 version, Elizabeth Taylors 1963 portrayal has a coolly imperious (Cleopatra DVD (2010)) Cleopatra, contra distinct to Claudette Colberts love struck queen. Claudette Colbert was not only an actress but also a living mannequin, modelling clothes, hairstyles and clothing. During the 1930s, North 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 Colberts Cleopatra than Elizabeth Taylors. It is easy to see that Cecil B Demilles vision had Cleopatras 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 30s had seen great social upheaval for women, with voting

Page 1

Richard Olley

P677437X

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.Demilles Cleopatra still had an antiquated and oppressive representation of women. The cultural context of the 1960s 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 Demilles film was shot in black and white and filmed during the Great Depression of the 30s where the companys budget would have been stretched. At the other end of the scale, Foxs 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 Demilles ditsy comedy of modern manners in fancy dress (Cleopatra DVD (2010)) to Foxs 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

Page 2

Richard Olley

P677437X

Assignment 1

Page 3