Tma01_Cleopatra

ASSIGNMENT 2 What do the representations of Cleopatra in film and on television tell us about how her reputation has changed over time' The image of Cleopatra has changed over time and thus her reputation has changed however the same themes surrounding her image have arisen repeatedly. These repuatations can be seen in the media portraylas of Cleopatra over different decadse and we will look at these representations in order identify any similarites and differences through the media's portrayal of the ancient Egyptian Queen. The 1917 portrayal of Cleopatra as an alluring and dominant sexual manipulator reflects the change in societal attitudes towards women as they were now being portayed as having power within media representations. In contrast the 1934 depiction of Cleopatra has lost the aspect of sexual maniuplation nevertheless the theme of sexual power is still apparent. In addition in this particular portrayal of Cleopatra it can be seen that her look has been changed in order to suit the Art Deco Era. In addition there is also a consistent image of oriental splendor and luxury that is portrayed through the clothes worn by Cleopatra and within the scenes through the use of props which reflect upon the reputation of the Queen as being luxurious and ostenatious. Therefore from these examples it is clear that elements of Cleopatra's reputation display consistent themes that arise throughout the media portrayals however societal opinions, views, style and fashion at any particular time play a huge part in the representation of the Egyptian Queen. The 1963 portrayal of Cleopatra displays the Queen as a shrewd stateswoman with an imperious nature and this once again conveys her reputation as a powerful woman. This once again reflected upon current issues and politics in society as the sexuality in this portrayal was a lot less prominent. This illustrates that women were now being seen as equal and could possess the same power as a man without the use of her sexulaity. This highlights a huge difference to the previous reputation of Cleopatra displayed as there was increasingly less influence on romance and sexual manipulation and therefore more emphasis upon power, dominance and superioity. Furthermore the western world's preoccupation with with an orient that was extravagent and grandiose was reflected once again in this portrayal of Cleopatra with the use of a scene that cost $1 million dollars to create and an array of ouftits worn by Elizabeth Taylor. As shown in previous portrayals Cleopatra was associated with this indulgence and therefore this depiction of the Queen was consistent in reflecting this theme. In conclusion it would appear that the underlying themes regarding Cleopatra's reputation have remained the same throughout the media's portrayal of the queen however as a society we have ever changing views on these themes. Therefore the image of Cleopatra that is portrayed will fit to how the media feels society views the issues, such as sexuality, and politic of the time. References: Scott-Kilvert, 1. (trans.) (1965) Plutarch: Makers of Rome, Hammondsworth, Penguin. Scott-Kilvert, 1. (trans.) (1987) Cassius Dio: The Roman History: The Age of Augustus, Hammondsworth, Penguin. Warner. R (trans.) (1958) Plutarch: Fall of the Roman Repulic, Hammondsworth, Penguin West D (trans.) (2004) Horace: The complete Odes and Epodes, Oxford, Oxford University Press. BIBLIOGRAPHY 2001 – Rome (HBO series) 2000 – Xena warrior princess 1964 – Carry on Cleo 20th Century Fox productions – 1964, 1934 and 1917 The Open University textbook, AA100 The Arts Past and Present – 2008 Glunterberg press Limited.