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Hey guys. So one of the major reasons behind my joining this forum (aside from my great love of Star Wars) is my passion for fan-edited movies. As a college student pursuing his PhD in Ancient Mediterranean Studies, nothing bothers me more than a historically inaccurate movie. Since my favorite historical figure has always been Cleopatra, I tried to get my hands on anything Cleo-related, including the 1963 movie starring Elizabeth Taylor.
Despite the fact that “Cleopatra” is a remarkable period piece, it contains several elements which really bother me. In addition to that, it’s over 3 hours long! And not a good 3 hours either. It’s very slooooow. The 1999 movie was much better, and I’m hoping the new one starring Angelina Jolie will be even better than that.
In order to make the movie more watchable for myself and my friends and family (who have had to hear about Cleopatra over and over for the past decade), I am going to attempt to edit the original 1963 movie into a shorter, faster-paced and less stereotypical film. The list of proposed changes below will continue to update as I make the edit. Since I am still in the process of editing the first 15 minutes, though, I only listed those initial changes thus far.
Any recommendations of suggestions would be very welcome. I am actually curious to hear your opinions about the film in general. Despite its age, it still continues to be a classic and many local theaters here in Chicago continue to show it from time to time. It is obviously very loved but, as with any edit, sacrifices have to be made.
LIST OF CHANGES:
Cut down movie length and increase pacing.
Change opening credits.
Remove Caesar’s introduction and cut directly to Alexandria (this will solve many repeats of information).
(Possibly) change the music during Caesar’s approach to Alexandria to another track from the soundtrack.
Remove all mentions of Market Day - Caesar docks and goes directly to the palace.
Cut some of Pothinus’ lines, making him look like less of a fool (he was historically very calculating and smart).
Make Ptolemy less annoying.
Make Cleopatra’s entrance more dynamic, with (possibly) different music.
Cleopatra will appear less naive - Cut her “this is my palace” and “poison” lines. (Why is she worried about the fruit but not the wine she’s drinking?)
Cut “divine origin” speech.
(Possibly) add music to Cleo’s and Caesar’s meeting.
Cut “dark corridors” statement.
Cut Rufio’s “Sex, torture…” speech.
Cut all depictions of Caesar’s falling sickness.
Remove some of the insults between Cleo & Caesar.
Shorten the poisoned drink scene.
Remove Pothinus’ scream.
Shorten Caesar’s judgement.
Shorten coronation.
Remove the unimportant person walking in the following scene.