Rating of
3/4
When Hollywood actually BUILT stuff before CGI!
Indyfreak - wrote on 09/14/16
CLEOPATRA features both the best and worst elements of the classical Hollywood costume epic. The exquisite set design, the costumes, and musical score are all uniformly excellent. This was and remains by some measures the most expensive movie ever and it shows in every frame. Now on the other hand, the acting and the plot is often over the top and ponderous. Some actors fare better like Rex Harrison and Richard Burton while a very young Roddy McDowall is embarassingly cartoony and foppish. The star attraction Elizabeth Taylor is fine as the historical beauty and power player Cleopatra. Sometimes she is shrill though her overwhelming beauty and presence make up for it. It is a pitch perfect example of a Hollywood spectacle that will satisfy those interested for the most part.
