The Egyptian queen of de-Nile uses her sex as a weapon against Roman domination, both personally and nationally. What DeMille’s epic lacks in historical accuracy it makes up for in wild and orgiastic delight and violence! Its Pre-Code sexuality remains undimmed even though this was released later in ’34, probably hiding this frank depiction of scantily clad and nubile women behind the masquerade of historicity!
I’m not rehashing the plot but will make some points about the film. Cleopatra is portrayed by Claudette Colbert and she’s both gorgeous and wickedly cunning: wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove. Though the titular heroine is obviously portrayed by a white woman the story does ask the question of her possible dark-skinned heritage: as Roman Women gossip about Caesar’s infidelity, one asks if Cleopatra is black, and they giggle. I found it interesting that the film mentions her race as it’s still a scholarly issue to this day! Warren William as Caesar is stoic and proud, never betraying too much emotion: I loved his performance too. He’s stolid like a leader and not prone to outbursts, always exuding an air of control even when his emotions may be twisted. Henry Wilcoxon as Marc Antony was a bit of a weak point for me as I felt his acting feeble and unbelievable in his transition from headstrong soldier to puppy-like devotion. His performance was good but not great, though his defiance on the city walls against the invading Roman force was strong. But Claudette Colbert was able to portray the subtleties of amour that divided her between her three loves: Caesar, Marc Antony and Egypt. Was she making decisions of her heart or court? Or both?
DP Victor Milner won the Academy Award for Cinematography for this film, and it was richly deserved. DeMille’s opulence (the huge budget is evident!) is perfectly captured in deep-focus long shots and crowded medium shots with scores of extras foregrounded. His close-ups of Colbert are gorgeous, and she puts Elizabeth Taylor to shame (in my opinion). The battle scene is violent as we see soldiers run over by spiked wheels, men fall bloody and lifeless, miniature ships battle in medium shot burning and crashing, more soldiers drowning, and medium shots of Roman Legions marching towards victory. The montage is edited in quick tempo with brutal consistency. Overall, a satisfying violent and melodramatic romp disguised as history.
Final Grade: (B)
