Angelina Jolie to play Cleopatra
Left: Angelina Jolie as the Macedonian queen Olympias, in Oliver Stones's Alexander (2004). Right: Elizabeth Taylor in the title role of the 1963 film, Cleopatra.
I’m a little late to the party, but I’m very happy to hear that there is a film biopic of Cleopatra in the works, based on a new book by Stacey Schiff: Cleopatra: A Life
At a lunch this week in Manhattan to promote the book, Schiff and Little, Brown publisher Michael Pietsch said film producer Scott Rudin has bought the rights to Schiff’s book, envisioning Jolie in the role. (Rudin’s office confirms that the project “is being developed for and with Jolie.”) Schiff says Jolie fills the bill. ‘Physically, she’s the perfect look,’ she says. Brad Pitt is a no-brainer for Mark Antony. Julius Caesar? That one had Schiff temporarily stumped.
via Book Buzz: What’s new on the list and in publishing – USATODAY.com. While I have not read Schiff’s book, I think Jolie will be perfect as Cleopatra, and look forward to the film. But, please, don’t cast Pitt as Antony. No way. The 1963 version, starring Elizabeth Taylor, relies heavily on Plutarch’s Lives and Shakespeare’s plays, “Julius Caesar” and “Antony & Cleopatra” (which in turn are based heavily on Plutarch). It was one of my very favorite films growing up, and is certainly partly to blame for my chosen profession. As some of you may know, I am a historian, working on my Ph.D. in ancient history. I focus on women in the ancient Rome, but I have also done a lot of work on Cleopatra and Olympias, two powerful women who have not been treated well by the ancient sources. Sadly, Oliver Stone’s Alexander did little to solve that problem where Olympias is concerned, in addition to being a pretty abysmal film, in my opinion. I was also very disappointed by the portrayal of Cleopatra in HBO’s Rome series, as she was depicted as an annoying drug addict and nymphomaniac in season one (supposedly her character improved in season two). However, I am very hopeful for the upcoming film version. We shall see.
Take a stroll down memory lane with the trailer for the 1963 film, Cleopatra:
Video via classics movie’s YouTube channel.
They wouldn’t really cast Brad Pitt would they? That’s got to just be ‘talk.’ That would truly be horrible, I agree.
Yeah, it’s purely talk, on the writer’s part, so no real fear … yet. He totally took me out of Troy (which had many other problems as well, to be fair), so I don’t want to see him take on another beloved character from the ancient world.
I loved Rome for the entertainment value. I accepted, of course, that historical accuracy was not really a strong suit. (Putting mostly naked James Purefoy and diabolical Polly Walker in a room together was its strong suit.)
Having no real opinion either way on Cleopatra – I have to say that I don’t think her character “improved” much in season two. She got a bit more to do towards the end, but the characterization was pretty much the same.
On topic: Angelina Jolie would make a great Cleopatra. I think she has that posture and presence. I think Brad Pitt is aging well and getting more interesting as he does, but you’re right. Casting him as Antony is just asking for behind-the-scenes drama to overshadow everything.
I enjoyed Rome for what it is too, but I kind of lost interest in season two, and have yet to finish. I own the dvds though, and will watch eventually. Atia was definitely my favorite part. Polly Walker is a goddess. I always refer to her as the Roman Julie Cooper. Sorry to hear that Cleopatra’s portrayal remained the same. Sigh.
I’ve seen only maybe 30 minutes of the original. But now I feel inspired to finish it! And I also hope there is no Brad Pitt. Angelina can stand on her own, and let this be HER movie, not a “couples schtick” thing.
Check out Jessica Rae´s recent blog post: Hugh Hefner would make the Mad Men proud with this move
You totally should! I will warn you, however: it is suuuuuper long. You will need lots of snacks.