Antony and Cleopatra
Not to be confused with 1965's Cleopatra, this film, directed by and starring Charlton Heston, is an impressive adaptation of Shakespeare's play.
While Heston proves a virile and imposing Marc Antony, Hildegard Neil brings both elegance and intelligence to the role of Cleopatra. The rest of the cast is equally laudable, boasting many of the great actors of the British stage. Freddie Jones is memorable as Pompey, whom he plays as a swaggering, treacherous drunk, while John Castle projects a stern, calculating persona as Octavius Caesar. Julian Glover is equally impressive as Proculeius, while Roger Delgado projects a mystic presence as the Soothsayer.
Although Heston tackles the overall play with vigor, the film's visual centerpiecethe Battle of Actium proves slightly disappointing. Likely due to insufficient funds, stock footage from Ben Hur is added and doesn't cut together convincingly with the footage shot for the film. Otherwise, the production quality is laudable, Heston taking many opportunities to juxtapose the fascinating contradictions of heinous brutality and admirable nobility which defined the Romans. John Scott's score adds incalculable scope to the production, its large orchestral and choral textures combining with solo lute to create an epic atmosphere, yet never once smothering the characters.
As a whole, Antony and Cleopatra is an impressive, if often overlooked film, comparing favorably to the best in Shakespearean cinema.
Paul Andrew MacLean
Shelton CT 06484 USA
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LadyJanet@RenaissanceMagazine.com