Cleopatra (1999) (TV)

Director:

Franc Roddam

Writers (WGA):

Margaret George (novel)
Stephen Harrigan (teleplay) ...

Release Date:

23 May 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Tagline:

Passion. Power. History.

Plot:

Cleopatra, the famed Egyptian Queen born in 69 B.C., is shown to have been brought by Roman ruler Julius Caesar at age 18...

Plot Keywords:

Cleopatra | Julius Caesar | Marc Antony | Seduction | Ancient Rome

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 nomination

Cast

Billy Zane	...	Marc Antony
Timothy Dalton	...	Julius Caesar
Rupert Graves	...	Octavian
Leonor Varela	...	Cleopatra
John Bowe	...	Rufio
Art Malik	...	Olympos
Nadim Sawalha	...	Mardian
Owen Teale	...	Grattius
Philip Quast	...	Cornelius
Daragh O'Malley	...	Ahenobarbus
Bruce Payne	...	Cassius
Sean Pertwee	...	Marcus Brutus
David Schofield	...	Casca
Kassandra Voyagis	...	Arsinoe
Indra Ové	...	Charmian (as Indra Ove)

Runtime:

177 min | 50 min (3 episodes) | Brazil:155 min (DVD version)

Country:

Germany | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby (as Dolby Surround)

Certification:

USA:Not Rated | Australia:M | Netherlands:12

Filming Locations:

Agadir, Morocco

Company:

Babelsberg International Film Produktion

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: After Cleopatra died, you could still see her tummy moving.

Quotes:

[On Caesarion]
Marc Antony: [to Octavian] Looks like you have competition.
Octavian: I don't think so. Caesar will never name him his heir.
Marc Antony: You know the future?
Octavian: I know my uncle.

Movie Connections:

References Ben-Hur (1959)

It's a nice historical and overlong television film

The movie deals upon epic life of Cleopatra(Leonor Varela), Julius Caesar (Timothy Dalton), Marc Anthony( Billy Zane) and Octavius Augustus(Rupert Graves). It's created the first triumvirate formed by Caesar, Pompeyus and Crasus. Caesar fights against Pompeyus who's vanquished in Farsalia . Julius goes to Alejandria, Tolomeo hands over the Pompeyo's head at Caesar who rules over Egypt and gives up the throne to Cleopatra. After that, Julius Caesar is killed by Bruto(Sean Petwee) and Casio (Bruce Payne). Later on, the second triumvirate : Marc Anthony commands Egypt, Lepido rules Africa and Octavio Augustus governs over Rome and Hispania. Marc Anthony is married to Octavia , Augustus's sister. After that, Marc Anthony is wedded to Cleopatra, but they are defeated by Octavio Augustus (Rupert Graves) in Actium.

Runtime film is overblown , it's a little bit boring but the history's buffs will appeal too much. The picture obtained various nominations for television prizes but achieved none. The battle scenarios are breathtaking ,they have been made by computer generator special effects and thousands of extras . Set design is of first range, the film is very atmospheric, Roman time is well designed. Timothy Dalton interpretation is top notch, likeness to Billy Zane, Leonor Varela is beautiful and enjoyable. Frank Roddan direction is excellent and Trevor Jones music is riveting. Rating : 6,5 . Well worth catching