It would have been quite helpful if I had read the play 'Julius Caesar' by William Shakespeare before seeing this film, but I am not an avid reader. I do enjoy this kind of majestic English though, but to really get every word of it, I'd need to see it again... and again, and again. So, perhaps this is a 'classic in the making' for me.
The story is carefully set up (well, of course...), with some outstanding monologues that really... stand out, yes. For instance the one by Marlon Brando in the market place - with the body of Caesar (and the crowd) at his feet - it is simply captivating. All the other roles are as much enjoyable, with the particular mention of James Mason playing the quintessential Brutus.
The battle scene at the end is also worth a separate mention. It is not the best action scene I've ever seen, but it has its own charm and you can just tell how much work must has gone into it. Sort of a cherry on top, if you will.
'Julius Caesar' is a thoroughly enjoyable oldie, one which may get more points from me when I've seen it again (and again) and more of the dialogues and monologues have had their chance to bloom.
The story is carefully set up (well, of course...), with some outstanding monologues that really... stand out, yes. For instance the one by Marlon Brando in the market place - with the body of Caesar (and the crowd) at his feet - it is simply captivating. All the other roles are as much enjoyable, with the particular mention of James Mason playing the quintessential Brutus.
The battle scene at the end is also worth a separate mention. It is not the best action scene I've ever seen, but it has its own charm and you can just tell how much work must has gone into it. Sort of a cherry on top, if you will.
'Julius Caesar' is a thoroughly enjoyable oldie, one which may get more points from me when I've seen it again (and again) and more of the dialogues and monologues have had their chance to bloom.