The making of 1963’s Cleopatra was an epic in every sense of the word. The production stretched on for an astonishing three years, from principal photography in September 1960 to final reshoots and editing completed in 1963, making it one of the longest and most troubled film productions in Hollywood history.
A Production Plagued by Problems
The journey to bring Cleopatra to the silver screen was anything but smooth. From its initial, far more modest budget, to its ballooning costs and star-studded drama, the story behind Cleopatra is almost as captivating as the film itself. Numerous factors contributed to its extended production timeline.
The Initial Phase: London Troubles and Replacements
Initially, the film was slated to be shot on a much smaller scale in London, starring Joan Collins in the title role. However, the damp British weather proved disastrous for the outdoor sets and Collins fell ill. This led to the film being shut down and the entire production rethought. Elizabeth Taylor was subsequently cast, and the location shifted to Rome. This initial hiccup alone added considerable time to the overall production schedule.
Rome Beckons: Extravagance and Taylor’s Illness
The move to Rome marked a significant change in scale and budget. Enormous sets were constructed, costumes were lavishly designed, and the atmosphere of extravagance permeated every aspect of production. However, Taylor’s near-fatal bout of pneumonia in 1961 brought everything to a standstill once again. Her illness sidelined filming for several months, further extending the schedule and adding to the escalating costs.
Burton Enters: On-Screen Chemistry, Off-Screen Drama
The casting of Richard Burton as Mark Antony proved to be a turning point, both on and off screen. The undeniable chemistry between Taylor and Burton fueled the film’s dramatic intensity, but their burgeoning romance also created a media frenzy that further complicated the already challenging production. The constant scrutiny and attention diverted resources and added to the pressure on everyone involved.
Post-Production and Editing: A Race Against Time
Even after principal photography wrapped, the post-production process was extensive. The sheer volume of footage required meticulous editing, and the film underwent several cuts and revisions before it was finally deemed ready for release. This lengthy post-production phase contributed significantly to the overall production time.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Cleopatra’s Production
Here are some frequently asked questions about the making of Cleopatra, providing further insights into the film’s complex and lengthy production:
FAQ 1: What was the original budget for Cleopatra, and how much did it eventually cost?
The initial budget was around $2 million. However, the final cost ballooned to approximately $44 million, equivalent to over $380 million today, making it one of the most expensive films ever made. This massive overspending was a major factor in the extended production timeline, as the studio struggled to secure additional funding.
FAQ 2: Why was Elizabeth Taylor paid so much for her role?
Elizabeth Taylor commanded a then-record-breaking salary of $1 million, plus a percentage of the film’s gross. Her star power was considered essential to the film’s success, and her salary reflected her market value at the time. This high salary further contributed to the film’s overall budget and pressure to recoup costs.
FAQ 3: What was the significance of the film’s sets?
The sets for Cleopatra were incredibly elaborate and historically inspired. They were constructed on a massive scale, requiring a vast workforce and significant resources. The sheer size and complexity of these sets added to the production time and cost. They were practically cities, contributing greatly to the film’s visual spectacle but also significantly increasing the project’s duration.
FAQ 4: How did the weather affect filming?
The unpredictable weather in both London and Rome caused numerous delays. Rain, wind, and even excessive sunlight disrupted outdoor filming, forcing schedule changes and adding to the overall production time. The outdoor nature of many key scenes made the film particularly vulnerable to weather-related disruptions.
FAQ 5: What role did Darryl F. Zanuck play in saving the film?
Darryl F. Zanuck, then the head of 20th Century Fox, took over production in 1962, after costs had already spiraled out of control. He made significant cuts to the film and brought a sense of order to the chaotic production. His intervention was crucial in finally bringing Cleopatra to completion. He trimmed the film’s running time drastically, merging two planned movies into one giant epic.
FAQ 6: How many costume changes did Elizabeth Taylor have in the film?
Elizabeth Taylor had a staggering 65 costume changes in Cleopatra, each meticulously designed and crafted. These elaborate costumes were a significant expense and required considerable time to create and maintain. The sheer number of costumes further contributed to the film’s overall production timeline.
FAQ 7: What was the public’s reaction to the Taylor-Burton romance?
The public was fascinated by the romance between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Their affair became a major media sensation, generating enormous publicity for the film but also adding to the stress and pressure on the production. The constant media attention diverted resources and created distractions.
FAQ 8: What was the initial length of the completed film before editing?
The initial cut of Cleopatra was rumored to be over six hours long. Darryl F. Zanuck drastically reduced the running time to just over four hours, making significant cuts to the narrative. This extensive editing process took considerable time and effort.
FAQ 9: How many extras were used in the film?
Thousands of extras were used in Cleopatra, particularly in the large-scale battle scenes and crowd sequences. Coordinating and managing such a large number of extras was a logistical challenge that added to the production’s complexity and timeline.
FAQ 10: What impact did Cleopatra have on 20th Century Fox?
Cleopatra‘s massive cost overruns nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox. While the film was a box office success, it wasn’t enough to recoup the enormous expenses. The studio was forced to sell off assets and make significant changes to its operations.
FAQ 11: Was the film shot in 70mm? Why was that significant?
Yes, Cleopatra was shot in 70mm Todd-AO, a widescreen format that offered a wider aspect ratio and higher resolution. This format enhanced the film’s visual spectacle and immersive quality. It was a significant technical undertaking that required specialized equipment and expertise.
FAQ 12: What is the legacy of Cleopatra today?
Despite its troubled production and initial financial struggles, Cleopatra has become a cinematic landmark. It is remembered for its lavish sets, stunning costumes, and the iconic performances of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The film remains a symbol of Hollywood excess and a testament to the power of epic filmmaking, but also as a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition. It continues to inspire and fascinate audiences today.