Expensive…Troubled…A Box Office Flop…and the movie that launched a scandalous relationship.
That’s how most people describe the epic “Cleopatra” (1963) staring Elizabeth Taylor, Rex Harrison, Richard Burton and Roddy McDowall. “Cleopatra” is a film whose troubled production history leaves no introduction. However, there is a significant educational value that gives special education students the advantage when it comes to studying early Egyptian history.
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For one thing, when most people think of early Egypt, they think of King Tut, the pyramids and the Sphinx. However, they fail to remember that once upon a time, there was a ruler who seduced not one, but two historic Roman figures: Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Looking at this film, “Cleopatra” gives a strong visual history of Egypt and how it’s culture influenced Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison) to fall in love with Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor) and develop a sort of mutual connection with one another. Both Caesar and Cleopatra have a desire to become world rulers by any means necessary.
Right away, teachers can look at this and ask their students what it means to have a shared connection or desire with someone? But at the same time, teachers will often ask their students the differences between Egypt and Rome and how both can often be relatable to modern day superpowers like the United States.
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Archie Bunker before he got his hair dyed
In addition, there is also a double bonus for special education students who are studying Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in the sense that the students who struggle with the Shakespearean language can hear Caesar speaking in plain English. In addition, students can also view the pinnancial, “Ides of March” scene that is crucial to the story of Caesar through the eyes of Cleopatra.
In a way, “Cleopatra” can serve as an extension of Shakespeare on account that the story sort of is an extension as many of the significant characters appear such as Cassius, Brutus, Cicero (played by Michael Hordern aka the “Paddington Bear” narrator) and Casca (played by Carroll O’Connor, eight years before becoming Archie Bunker on “All in the Family”) and also gives a signature light on Octavian (Roddy McDowall), who gives a really strong performance as the main antagonist of the film.
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Speaking of Octavian, he can often be connected and related to those who are individuals devoted to protecting their family honor and legacy. Right away in the second half of the film, he clearly despises Cleopatra and Marc Antony (Richard Burton) being together because he sees Cleopatra as a threat not just to Rome, but to the Caesar name.
One of Octavian’s strongest scenes is the scene where he declares war on Egypt in the Roman Senate. You can feel the rage in his voice and how he can channel his rage to great extremes to the point it almost grows into a rage filled meltdown.
What students can see in Octavian is what they see in themselves and their peers. Octavian is someone who holds himself to a high standard and will get rid of anyone who goes against his standards. However, Octavian can also be blinded by rage as demonstrated when he kills Cleopatra’s tutor (Hume Cronyn) on the steps of the Roman senate.
Like many neurodivergent individuals, we tend to let our emotions get the better of us and as a result, we end up being consumed by our emotions.
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Next, Cleopatra herself teaches us what happens when we cross the boundaries of others. When it comes to her and Caesar, she was crossing the boundaries of a married man and what’s more, produced a son with him. For those who are neurodiverse and seeking romance, it’s important to be accepting and understanding that those who are in a relationship of their own deserve to be left alone and have their happiness. There are plenty of fish in the sea, but sometimes we don’t see that.
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1578557 Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra in the 1963 epic drama film, 1963; (add.info.: Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra in the 1963 epic drama film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.); Universal History Archive/UIG.
Finally, “Cleopatra” gives a strong lesson when it comes to romantic relationships and what happens when we let the power get to our head.
Again, “Cleopatra” is known for what went on behind the scenes rather than on the screen. The romance between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton was turbulent and sometimes awkward. In fact, Elizabeth Taylor was married an astounding 8 times (twice to Richard Burton). She also stole singer Eddie Fisher from her best friend, Debbie Reynolds when she really should have left him alone.
And speaking of Elizabeth Taylor, she also serves as an example of what happens when we take something for granted. Part of the problems with “Cleopatra” resulted with Elizabeth in the sense that she feels that she deserves to walk over others and get the highest paid salary. Keep in mind that she earned a $1 million salary for this film when she should have been happy in getting less.
Remember, money is the root of all evils and this film is no exception. Like some of the other films featured in these blogs, “Cleopatra” is a cautionary tale that neurodivergent individuals can learn from while also learning about Egyptian and Roman history.
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Catch you all later!!
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