Cleopatra

Compare and contrast the depictions of Cleopatra in the 1934 and 1963 movies as shown and discussed on the DVD video. Then, explain how the similarities and differences between these depictions of Cleopatra reflect the historical circumstances in which they were created. Throughout history there have been many different representations of Cleopatra, each re-invented to suit the generation of that time. The 1934 and 1963 movies are similar in many aspects; they both neglect the fact that Cleopatra was a very intelligent and powerful stateswoman but instead choose to portray her as a sexual predator who manipulates” her contaminated flock of men” (Horace, Ode 1.37 Resources page 28) into getting what she wants. Both movies where sold to the public as being a tragic romance, with the sexual connotations throughout both their media adverts. The idea of living a lavish lifestyle and having sexual power would have appealed to a lot of women in both the 1930’ and 1960’. In the 19340’ women fought for their rights. Getting to vote, equality of pay, able to divorce and to have sex before marriage. The 1934 movie was therefore a marketing opportunity to sell such luxuries as perfume and cosmetics to the new modern women of their time. Throughout both movies we can clearly see the expense that both movie companies have gone to, to give such an appeal to such luxuries that are now classed as a necessity to the women of these times. For example Elizabeth Tailors gorgeous and exotic clothes. I do believe that both movies especially the 1934 movie was produced in the manner it was as to sell new and unneeded products to women, which is still true in the 21st century. Women today have the same rights and equality as men yet the majority still tend to follow the media, looking up to the Elizabeth tailor of now and wanting the romance and celebrity status and ignoring the real heroin’s of today. Both movies emphasis the point that Cleopatra was a woman caught up in a love affair with such prominent figures in roman history and not so much on the fact that she was such a powerful queen. They both seem to make the point that no matter how intelligent Cleopatra was she still wasn’t a man, therefore she was seen and treated as being inferior to them. This is shown in the 1963 film when Cesar uses his sexual power to silence her when she is outraged at the fire he has started. “The war and clash of cultures is to be largely reduced to a battle of the sexes.” (DVD Cleopatra) expresses how I feel about both movies representation of Cleopatra’s life. However in the 1963 role Cleopatra was played as a more sophisticated and intelligent queen, this is shown when she makes Anthony kneel before her, showing her power and establishing the fact that no one shall step over her. I believe that these films were not a true representation of Cleopatra and any documentation or historical facts that we may have about Cleopatra all have to be questioned as to who was writing them, but also who was hearing them. We constantly change our own history and interpret things in many different ways. Who is to say whose opinions or thoughts are right or wrong' Therefore we must piece together the little facts and opinions that we have and build own picture of the past. Either way Cleopatra will always be remembered to a few as a powerful, intelligent, strong young woman and too many as a sexually manipulative figure. Either way her reputation is still living centuries later. Bibliography Trevor Fear (2008) AA100 T he arts Past and Present Reputations chapter one Cleopatra the Open University. Cleopatra DVD The Arts Past and Present Book 1 Reputations. DVD Video DVD00520 The Open University (2009) The 1963 Cleopatra Film (1963) 20th century fox