Cléopatre

According to the budget most of the TV-films have, I should tell that Martin Hitchcock did some great work as production designer and Enrico Sabbatini created some convincing costumes. David Connell his cinematography is sometimes breathtaking, but in the scenes on water it sometimes looks very fake, a pity. The action has its moments, but don't expect to much of it, especially the special effects are quite weak. But that is not really a failure because they probably did not have enough money for spectacular battle scenes. The main character Cleopatra is portrayed by Leonor Varela, she isn't bad and performed some good dialogs, but she does have a few very mediocre appearances. The first half of the film focuses on the relationship of the Egyptian quine and Julius Caesar. Timothy Dalton is as usual impressing. And although he played better roles in his wonderful career he gives an interesting interpretation of the Roman conqueror. The second part concerns about Cleopatra her interferences in the Roman civil war between Marc Antony and Octavian, both strong performances by Billy Zane and Rupert Graves. The most interesting supporting roles were Olympos (Art Malik), Brutus (Sean Pertwee) and Rufo (John Bowe). They did some good work with those roles, but Kassandra Voyagis (as Arsinoe, sister of Cleopatra) is painful to watch, she is a disturbing factor, and the actors appear to act more relaxed and with more confidence when her character isn't around anymore. This production outreaches the standard quality of an OK TV-film. And although there are some disappointing shots I think it is worth to watch, just do not be in the mood for a great epic adventure with tons of spectacle. Remember it is made for television.

The sets, costumes and backdrops are kaleidoscopic with meticulous attention to detail. Timothy Dalton brought his years of stage work to the part and Caesar seemed bigger than life. He has seasoned well in the years since playing 007 and his strong masculine presence, rich baritone and passion carried part 1. He is convincing in his love for Cleopatra and their son. Leonor did her best to educate us to Cleopatra's fierce Patriotism. Her curvy figure in the filmy costumes came to life with a feline fluidity. Billy Zane makes a good choice for the young brash Antony, a loyal soldier/playful child. His huge smile and coltish antics would be difficult not to like. His intense shame at comrades and battles lost, is moving and heartfelt. So what is not to like in this film? Leonor's lack of acting experience drained life from this story. She managed playing the spoiled rich girl well enough. But her many temper tantrums and pouting ways lacked depth. Dalton carried their love scenes. But alas, the sophomoric grappling of Leonor and Zane in part 2 was anything but passionate. It is hard to believe that scene wasn't reshot. They looked like they were playing Twister in drag. Zane did well playing the good soldier, but a man not suited for leadership. For all this, renting this video is well worth the time. Its adherence to history far outdoes the Taylor/Burton film.

And watching the 'love scene' between Leonor and Zane in fast forward mode will always good for a laugh.

The movie deals with the epic lives of Cleopatra (Leonor Varela) , Julius Caesar (Timothy Dalton) , Marcus Antonius (Billy Zane) and Octavius Augustus (Rupert Graves) . It's created the first triumvirate formed by Caesar , Pompeyus and Crasus . Caesar fights against Pompeyus who's vanquished in Farsalia . Julius goes to Alejandria , Tolomeo hands over the Pompeyo's head to Caesar who rules over Egypt and gives up the throne to Cleopatra . After that , the out-of-wedlock son of Cleopatra with Caesar is seen to be a threat to his future leadership . Brutus and other Roman legislators scheme the assassination of Caesar . As Julius Caesar is killed by Bruto (Sean Petwee) and Casio (Bruce Payne) . Later on , it happens the second triumvirate : Marc Anthony commands Egypt , Lepido rules Africa and Octavio Augustus governs over Rome and Hispania . Marc Anthony is married to Octavia , Augustus's sister . Then , Marcus Antonius is wedded to Cleopatra , but things don't turn out so well and they are defeated by Octavio Augustus (Rupert Graves) in Actium .

Runtime film is overblown , it's a little bit boring but the history aficionados will appeal too much . The dialog , cinematography , and direction combine to cast a potent and enjoyable TV movie . Imposing sets , lavish costumes , good stars , massive scope , opulent interiors , including great spectacle of crowd scenes well staged . The picture obtained various nominations for television prizes but achieved none . The battle scenarios are breathtaking , they have been made by means of computer generator special effects and thousands of extras . First range set design , the film is very atmospheric , Roman time is well designed . Timothy Dalton's interpretation is top notch , likeness to Billy Zane , Leonor Varela is beautiful and enjoyable . Frank Roddan's direction is excellent and Trevor Jones musical score is riveting . Rating : 6,5 . Well worth catching .

Other films dealing with the infamous Egyptian Queen and her Roman lovers saga are the following : Silent version ¨Cleopatra¨ with Theda Bara ; ¨Caesar and Cleopatra¨ by Gabriel Pascal with Claude Rains , Vivien Leigh and Flora Robson , ¨Cleopatra¨ by Cecil B De Mille with Claudette Colbert , Warren William and Henry Wilconson ; ¨Cleopatra¨ by Joseph L . Mankiewicz with Elizabeth Taylor , Rex Harrison and Richard Burton and TV adaptation ¨Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra¨ with Richard Johnson and Janet Suzman .

Based on the novel The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George, this mini-series is an okay adaption of a truly fascinating piece of literature. I think that it gives a fairer portrayal of Cleopatra is important, though Leonor Varela isn't that good an actress. I found her acting so amateurish next to that of Timothy Dalton and Billy Zane; at least she was better than Kassandra Voyagis was as Arsinoe. Also she made Cleopatra seem very childish and whiny at times, which was annoying.

Otherwise I liked this story, Timothy Dalton as Julius Caesar was fine in the role, though too dark and good looking (someone tell Daniel Craig please play Caesar sometime in his career!) and Billy Zane did a good job as Marc Antony. The sets lived up to what Alexandria probably looked like, except there was little sign of the Greek influence on the city. The costumes were lovely and the supporting cast were some of the best (though I could have changed some of their lines for them), and I was able to overlook historical inaccuracies, such as Arsinoe being murdered in the dungeons of the palace of Alexandria under Cleopatra's orders. Arsinoe appeared as a prisoner in Caesar's Triumph, and since the public showed sympathy for her, Caesar allowed her to be released. They also didn't explain at the end that Caesarion was executed under Octavian's orders, but I guess they wanted to leave the audience with a bit of hope. Fine to watch on a wet or snowy afternoon.

Dalton was surprisingly good as Caesar, as was Zane as Marc Antony. Ms. Varela, however, gave a most unfocused reading of Cleopatra--varying from passion to cruelty to vapidity but with no established core. In an effort such as this, that proved a cruel disappointment.

Sets were gorgeous, as were costumes. One COULD wish that Hollywood might approximate historically accurate women's clothing more closely, though.

This was a visually rich spectacle. The story was fine. But some really effective bits (Cleopatra with attendants in final tableau) really rang enormous bells for those familiar with the Taylor/Burton version.

Not my top cleopatra, nor my 2nd to the top (Colbert is very very good), but definitely on the list. And, indeed, the DVD transfer is gorgeous.