Antony and Cleopatra

Have enormous appreciation for Shakespeare and his plays ever since being introduced to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Macbeth' in primary school, when reading the text aloud and analysing as a class which fascinated and benefitted me (not everybody liked doing it though). 'Antony and Cleopatra' is for me towards the top ranking his plays, beautiful text and with two of Shakespeare's most justifiably iconic characters.

This version of 'Antony and Cleopatra' was also seen for seeing how Charlton Heston would fare as Antony and as director and for the cast. While it is far from a perfect film, its flaws not being small, or one of the best adaptations of Shakespeare's plays ever made, as far as versions of 'Antony and Cleopatra' go this is one of the better faring one. And this is probably not a popular opinion, if its low rating here, the not so favourable reviews and that it was not a financial success are to go by.

A lot of good things can be seen here. It looks very grand, with suitably lavish but not overblown scenery and truly beautiful photography. The music score very much matches this grandeur, in a way that's lush and stirring without losing momentum. Heston's direction is mostly on point, especially in the action and his expert direction of the supporting cast (less so unfortunately in the central relationship).

Script is intelligent and faithful, personally didn't think it was overly so. The more action oriented moments excite, have energy and don't look static, complete with a clear eye for spectacle without it swamping the drama. On the most part the story is involving, maintains the play's spirit and has powerful moments. Heston is authoritative and pretty much text-book as Antony, but for me the supporting cast (all excellent) are even better. The standouts being John Castle's fierce Octavious and Jane Lapotaire's full of life Charmian. Am surprised too that not an awful lot has been said about Eric Porter's moving and noble Enobarbus.

Was significantly less keen however on the Cleopatra of Hildegarde Neil, her performance lacked sensuality and dignity and was almost too sullen. The chemistry between Heston and Neil also could have done with a good deal more passion, found them bland at times together.

Momentum is not always there, the battles/action always compel and even scintillates, but Cleopatra's scenes apart from her final one was on the pedestrian side.

Concluding, not great but better than given credit for. 7/10.