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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is one of my favourite Shakespeare plays and watched this version with high expectations. Too often is Cleopatra played as being a histrionic strumpet and nothing else. Janet Suzman, on the other hand, managed to capture Cleopatra's multifaceted personality, including her confidence, manipulativeness,and genuine sadness at Antony's death. A younger Patrick Stewart played a remarkable Enobarbus. While in some ways the film was minimalist in its set, I disagree with other commenters that this made it a "mediocre production". The movie managed to capture the stark differences between a sensual Alexandria (with many warm colours) and a sterile Rome (depicted as mostly white). Being an older film, it doesn't have the glitzy, dazzling special effects of more recent movies, but this in no way detracts from the amazing acting and directing of this production.
By GLENN WHELAN
Format:VHS Tape
William Shakespeare was a very prolific writer. But, quite often his themes would appear in several of his stories. The tragic love story of ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, although surrounded by war and negotiations, ends in a manner befitting Romeo and Juliet. This story is almost a sequel to JULIUS CAESER. Rome is governed by three separate factions, one of which, Mark Antony, is busier wooing the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, then taking care of business at home. In the end, like Juliet, Cleopatra fakes her death to which the distraught Antony tries to kill himself; I guess he learned that from Romeo as well.
ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA is not the greatest Shakespeare story but this Trevor Nunn production is great. From the main cast to wonderful supporting roles from Ben Kingsley (GANDHI) and Patrick Stewart (STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION). This is a video-play. They have re-choreographed the successful stage production making it more movie-like. In the end, like the other Shakespeare tragedies, most of the characters we have met are dead. Be sure to rewind when the last drop of blood falls.
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
I've seen this play on film and on stage, but this British television version is by far the best version I've seen. Richard Johnson seems to be EXACTLY the embodiment of Marc Antony that Shakespeare must have envisioned - pure poetry and agony. And Janet Suzman channels Cleopatra in a way that is almost spooky (Cleo lives!). I also personally love the set design, which is solely used to create the mood of the characters and plot. This is like a stage play, in that it allows the viewer to focus on the characters, not on locations (I'll leave that to the deeply inferior movie version that plays the story out like an over-produced historical document). Trevor Nunn proves that one doesn't need lavish productions in order to recreate great Shakespeare. Just get some great actors on an open set and let the magic happen!
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3.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sanity
Hey Jerry, lighten up. Just because someone doesn't type well doesn't mean they don't have a thought. If your such a spelling guru, check out how you spelled appropriately... Read more
Published on Oct 3 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oh, Really? And we should believe you Because. . .?
I rarely respond to other viewers/readers comments. It's pointless. They have their tastes, I have mine. Read more
Published on April 21 2002 by Bookworm
5.0 out of 5 stars
hang the naysayers! this is the best A&C you will ever see
I'm not sure what the above reviewers were looking for, but I have had an English bootleg of this production for years, and have never seen a better one. Read more
Published on Nov 14 2001 by Vaughan Dawson
3.0 out of 5 stars
When Nunn Was Still Green
If you have seen Trevor Nunn's work in Twelfth Night, you may be curious about his screen version of Antony and Cleopatra; however, there is no comparison. Read more
Published on Aug 16 2001
2.0 out of 5 stars
Sketchy at best
If you are looking for a film that will capture your interests through visual effects, this is not it. Read more
Published on April 16 2001
3.0 out of 5 stars
A fine production, but flawed
Shakespeare's plays are essentially theatrical, and difficult to bring off on screen. This production succeeds admirably in many respects. Read more
Published on Feb 18 2001 by The Baker Street Irregular
3.0 out of 5 stars
I'm ready for my close-up, & my close-up, & my close-up!
Since this is one of the plays thatI rarely get a chance to see performed, I was rather looking forward to watching it. Read more
Published on July 27 2000 by AMA
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Performance!
This is a brilliant performance of Antony and Cleopatra..... and I say this as a reader/viewer who normally likes to read but not watch Shakespeare. Read more
Published on April 21 2000 by Tracy Marks
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