Compare the portrayal of Cleopatra in the 1963 film with the representations of her in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century

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Course Title: The Arts Past and Present (AA100)

Book 1 - Reputations

TMA: 01 – Part 1a Cleopatra

Question – Compare the portrayal of Cleopatra in the 1963 film with the representations of her in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century as discussed on the DVD Video ‘Cleopatra’. What aspects of her portrayal have changed or stayed the same, and why?

The 1963 film presents extravagance, opulence and a Cleopatra that lived in luxury. The costumes worn were lavish and the scene entering Rome portrays the decadence of her Egyptian lifestyle.  Whilst this theme continues in modern interpretations, it can be said that her surroundings and costumes were less extravagant and without the hieroglyphics on walls and columns which is the stereotypical view of ancient Egyptian life, however, the budgets of later adaptations could have been a factor.

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Romance is one of the main themes that run throughout any Cleopatra adaptation. The 1963 film concentrates on her relationships with the two greatest Romans of the time. The film poster shows Cleopatra sitting in between Caesar and Mark Antony. Again the modern versions include and emphasise her relationships with both men.

All adaptations portray her being an intellectual who could hold her own with any man.

Cleopatra throughout history has been accused of using her sexual prowess to manipulate and overpower men.  The differences in the adaptations demonstrate this and can be compared to females increased influence ...

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