A few months ago, I posted a blog entry about the upcoming Cleopatra movie reportedly starring Angelina Jolie. I believe that when I heard the news that a new Queen of Egypt film was going to be made, I was so ecstatic about it that the depiction didn't really set in. Angelina Jolie as the not-exactly-physically-beautiful queen? I don't think so. And Stacy Schiff too excited either that her brand new book is being made into a movie starring a Hollywood hotty. Any historians who seek accuracy in historical movies would feel the same way.
African-American activists made a huge fuss that Cleopatra wouldn't be played by an African-American actor. This is a bit ludicrous if you ask me, simply because Cleopatra was Macedonian Greek, Syrian, and maybe just a tiny hint of black African. Thandy Newton, Rosario Dawson, Maya Rudolph, or even Nia Vardalos would be better in the role. At least she's Greek. Angelina is a fine actress, but she's simply too darn unrealistic in the role. My wife would be better in the role for crying out loud, as she's a mix of Scottish, Dutch, and North African.
There are a lot of other actresses I can't think of at the moment who would be far better suited than Angelina Jolie. I'll still go to see the movie when it comes out but I may have quite a skewed view of it simply because I am a historian first, a film enthusiast second. All you have to do is look at the busts of Cleopatra, find actress, renowned or obscure but with talent, and cast her in the role of the Ptolemaic queen. We're still a good while from release but I don't think the role will be recast between then and now. The same kind of people who cast Liz Taylor in the original have cast Jolie without any kind of historical advisors on set surely. Cast Monica Bellucci and do you best to ugly her up. She'd be a better Cleopatra than Angelina.
If a newer version of Caligula were to be made, I think Vincent would excel in the role.
But that's another story.
Well, though I take your point, I think the reality is that there is no producer in the world who would turn down Angelina Jolie if she wants a part. People will flock to see it, even if it's a wreck.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that people are realizing how little they know about this icon,though, and I was saying over on Adrian's blog, it really seems like a moment when you might capitalize on your interest and expertise in some way.
Yeah, I really need to get this book out there, even though Cleopatra is more of a minor character. Her sister, Arsinoe, plays a more prominent role.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right, people will flock to see it with Angelina at the helm. Not too proud to say that I will too.
I am pretty sure Monica Belluci already played Cleopatra in "Asterix and Cleopatra", a French film. It is on youtube.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of Schiff's book, and I have to say of all the actresses in Hollywood Maya Rudolph appears to the most physically appropriate. She very petite and appears to resemble the coined images of Cleopatra. I came across this blog and was so excited that someone else also felt she was a good casting choice. And I agree, Angelina Jolie, though a very good actress, is all wrong for this role. It defeats the purpose of Schiff's thesis.
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