The 1963 epic film Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Rex Harrison, boasts a running time of 248 minutes (4 hours and 8 minutes) in its initially released form. This substantial duration cemented its reputation as a cinematic spectacle and contributed significantly to its legendary status, both for its artistic ambition and its infamous production challenges.
Unpacking Cleopatra’s Mammoth Length and Production History
Cleopatra is more than just a film; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a testament to Hollywood’s golden age of epics, and a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition. Its sheer length reflects the scope of its subject matter: the life and loves of the last Pharaoh of Egypt, her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and the ultimate fall of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. This article delves into the intricacies of the film’s runtime and explores related aspects that continue to fascinate audiences.
The Context of Epic Filmmaking
In the 1960s, historical epics were a cinematic trend. Studios aimed to draw audiences with lavish sets, elaborate costumes, and sprawling narratives. Films like Ben-Hur (1959) and Lawrence of Arabia (1962) set a precedent for lengthy running times, providing audiences with an immersive, almost theatrical experience. Cleopatra aimed to surpass them all, both in scale and spectacle.
The Studio’s Vision and Reality
20th Century Fox envisioned Cleopatra as a monumental achievement. The original plan was to film the movie primarily in England, but the set and initial filming proved unsuitable. A complete relocation to Rome, with a new director (Joseph L. Mankiewicz) and cast changes, drastically inflated the budget and production timeline. The resulting film, though visually stunning, was plagued with behind-the-scenes turmoil and financial troubles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cleopatra’s Run Time and More
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions related to the movie Cleopatra, its length, and its historical context.
FAQ 1: Were there any longer versions of Cleopatra ever released?
While the 248-minute version is considered the official theatrical release, a longer cut was initially screened for studio executives and some preview audiences. This version, reportedly exceeding four hours and thirty minutes, was ultimately deemed too long for general distribution and significantly cut down by Mankiewicz himself. This longer cut is mostly considered a “legend” amongst cinephiles, and copies rarely surface.
FAQ 2: Why was the movie Cleopatra so expensive to make?
Cleopatra‘s production costs spiraled out of control due to various factors, including:
- Relocation of the set from England to Rome: The change necessitated rebuilding massive sets, resulting in enormous expense.
- Elizabeth Taylor’s salary: She became the highest-paid actress at the time, contributing substantially to the overall budget.
- Costume and set design: The opulent costumes and extravagant sets required extensive labor and materials.
- Production delays and reshoots: Numerous delays and reshoots extended the production timeline, inflating costs.
FAQ 3: How does Cleopatra’s runtime compare to other historical epics?
Cleopatra‘s 248-minute running time places it among the longer historical epics, but not the absolute longest. Lawrence of Arabia (222 minutes) and Ben-Hur (212 minutes) are slightly shorter. Some director’s cuts, such as those of Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh, 242 minutes) approach the same length, though aren’t considered pure historical epics in the same genre sense. Ultimately, it sits comfortably within the upper echelons of epically long films.
FAQ 4: Was the movie Cleopatra a box office success?
Despite its grandeur, Cleopatra was initially considered a financial failure. Although it generated substantial box office revenue, it took years for the film to recoup its enormous production costs. It was the highest-grossing film of 1963, but due to its enormous production costs, it barely broke even in its initial release.
FAQ 5: What impact did Cleopatra have on Elizabeth Taylor’s career?
Cleopatra had a profound impact on Elizabeth Taylor’s career. It solidified her status as a Hollywood icon and made her one of the most recognizable and highest-paid actresses in the world. On set, she began her famous affair with Richard Burton, which added to the film’s notoriety and cemented her personal life in the public eye.
FAQ 6: How accurate is the movie Cleopatra historically?
While Cleopatra is a visually stunning and engaging film, it takes significant liberties with historical accuracy. Many events are dramatized or condensed for the sake of storytelling. While it captures the broad strokes of Cleopatra’s life and political maneuvering, viewers should be aware that it’s not a completely faithful historical representation.
FAQ 7: Are there any director’s cuts or extended editions of Cleopatra available?
There is no officially sanctioned director’s cut or extended edition of Cleopatra readily available to the public. The versions screened initially before release were heavily edited down for commercial viability. The “missing footage” is highly sought after by cinephiles, but remains largely unavailable.
FAQ 8: What makes Cleopatra such an enduring cinematic spectacle?
Cleopatra endures as a cinematic spectacle due to:
- Its lavish production values: The film’s scale, costumes, and set design remain impressive even today.
- The star power of Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Rex Harrison: Their performances added to the film’s allure.
- The epic scope of the story: The life and times of Cleopatra provide a compelling narrative.
- The behind-the-scenes drama: The production’s troubles and the Taylor-Burton affair added to its mystique.
FAQ 9: Where can I watch the movie Cleopatra?
Cleopatra is available on various streaming platforms, DVD, and Blu-ray. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check your preferred streaming services or online retailers for purchasing or renting options.
FAQ 10: Who directed Cleopatra?
Joseph L. Mankiewicz directed the bulk of the film. He replaced Rouben Mamoulian, who was originally slated to direct but was fired early in production. Mankiewicz is known for directing films with quick-witted dialogue and complex characters, evidenced in his earlier successes like All About Eve.
FAQ 11: What awards did Cleopatra win?
Despite its troubled production and mixed critical reception, Cleopatra won four Academy Awards:
- Best Cinematography (Color)
- Best Art Direction (Color)
- Best Costume Design (Color)
- Best Special Effects
It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Rex Harrison), Best Film Editing, Best Music Score (substantially original), Best Sound.
FAQ 12: What is Cleopatra’s legacy in filmmaking?
Cleopatra serves as both an example of the heights and pitfalls of epic filmmaking. Its production difficulties became a cautionary tale, influencing subsequent big-budget productions. However, it also demonstrated the enduring appeal of historical epics and the power of star-driven vehicles, influencing filmmakers to continue striving for grandeur and scale in their storytelling. The legacy is complex, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, making it a significant chapter in cinema history.