BEING CLEOPATRA: film
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Being Cleopatra: Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan being Cleopatra in Lifetime's upcoming biopic Liz & Dick as she portrays Elizabeth Taylor 

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Let the Cleopatra feud begin!

Photo: Celebrity Dirty Laundry
There has been much talk about a 3D biopic with Angelina Jolie as Cleopatra and another of a rock musical film with Catherine Zeta-Jones as Cleopatra. Both say that these projects will start "immediately" (sounds a bit like the two Snow White films that came out within months of eachother, Snow White and the Huntsman and Mirror, Mirror).

There are now gossip sites saying that there is a feud between Jolie and Zeta-Jones...not sure that I agree that this is actually happening, but let the silly gossip begin: Celebrity Dirty Laundry

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Catherine Zeta-Jones confirms plans in being Cleopatra


There has been much talk over the years about Catherine Zeta-Jones being Cleopatra. On The View on Friday June 15, 2012, Zeta-Jones was a guest where she addressed these rumors, “I just finished a movie with Steven Soderbergh and we have an idea - actually it was for a movie - to play Cleopatra. It’s a rock and roll musical movie, but we think it would just be fantastic on Broadway.”

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Cleopatra in Ads

Photo: Janelle Vreeland

Cleopatra in an ad for the 1917 film starring Theda Bara, Cleopatra

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Cleopatra 50th Anniversary Edition released on Blue-ray

The release of Elizabeth Taylor being Cleopatra in the 50th Anniversary Edition of the 1963 film, Cleopatra. This edition has been beautifully restored to its theatrical brilliance, and the Blu-ray includes three never-before-seen clips including an in-depth look into the film's missing footage.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Being Cleopatra: Gianna Terribili-Gonzales




Gianna Terribili-Gonzales being Cleopatra in the silent film Antony and Cleopatra (Marc Antonio e Cleopatra) and was shot in Italy and Egypt. This film will be 100 years old in 2013. This is so great that YouTube has the full film of this rarity!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Lindsay Lohan to play Elizabeth Taylor (& Cleopatra too)

Photo: The Count
Lindsay Lohan is said to be playing Elizabeth Taylor (and Cleopatra too) in the Lifetime network biopic Liz and Dick, which will focus on Taylor’s love affair with Richard Burton.

"I have watched Cleopatra dozens of times, and studied her performance in detail. I have to play Cleopatra. I realise how important it is not to muck this up. This is my chance to get on with my life," the 25-year-old told the Daily Mail.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Rumors of Catherine Zeta Jones to be Cleopatra in a 3D rock musical

Photo: Mundocine
There was talk back in 2008 that Catherine Zeta Jones would star as Cleopatra in a 3D rock musical film of the legendary queens. In 2008 the film was rumored of getting a $30 million budget, Hugh Jackman to play her Roman lover Mark Antony, be directed by Steven Soderbergh and would feature a soundtrack by the punk band Guided by Voices. Now again, there was a mention of it in the Kansas Star Star, do you think it may still be made?

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Being Cleopatra: Eleanor Parker


Eleanor Parker being Cleopatra in MGM's The Reign of Cleopatra in the August of 1954. There is no evidence that this film was ever made, so this must have been a test shoot.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Cleopatra Up For Auction

756. ELIZABETH TAYLOR “CLEOPATRA” GOLD CEREMONIAL DRESS FROM CLEOPATRA. (TCF, 1963) Designed by Irene Sharaff and Renié for Elizabeth Taylor in the title role of Cleopatra. Worn under the extraordinary golden “wing and feathers” Vestment for her royal proces- sion into Rome for presentation to Caesar’s senate, atop a monumental sphinx, and again on her sarcophagus after she has killed herself. Western Costume Co. label inside inscribed “Elizabeth Taylor 1606-3”. Constructed entirely of sequined heavy gold lamé on silk, with some sequin loss, especially at shoulders. Intact and quite presentable overall. $12,000 – $15,000


758. CLEOPATRA’S BROTHER “PHARAOH PTOLEMY XIII” COSTUME FROM CLEOPATRA. (TCF, 1963) Designed by Vittorio Nino Novorese (who shared the Oscar for Best Costume Design) for Richard O’Sullivan “Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII” in Cleopatra. Worn during Caesar’s royal visit to Egypt when Ptolemy and his advisor attempt and fail to humiliate Caesar. Extraordinary detailed and authentic Royal Vestments con- structed of heavy wool with extensive gold-bullion and gold lamé with multi-colored wool inserts, topped by elaborate Nekhbet goddess chest appliqué and metallic two-headed Horus throat plate. Together with sand-colored wool robe which is one of two layers Ptolemy wears under the Vestment. Both articles bear “Casa D’Arte Firenze” labels with char- acter’s name inscribed, and both are in excellent condition, virtually as screen-worn. $1,500 – $2,000


757. EGYPTIAN GENERAL JOHN DOUCETTE “ACHILLAS” COSTUME FROM CLEOPATRA. (TCF,1963) Designed by Vittorio Nino Novorese for John Doucette, who portrays Egyptian General Achillas, head of Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII’s army in Cleopatra. Worn during Caesar’s royal visit to Egypt to order the end of discord between Ptolemy and his sister Cleopatra. Constructed authentically by “Casa D’Arte Firenze” of heavy leather with numerous pressed, cast, and stamped metallic ornaments and medallions. Label inside is inscribed for re-purposing of “Ammiraglio Egiziano” as is the black and gold thread under-tunic which is from the same re- purposed screen-use. Excellent condition overall, with only a few of the smallest ornaments missing. $1,500 – $2,000


748. WARDROBE AND SET STILLS FROM CLEOPATRA. (TCF, 1963) Collection of 15 wardrobe and set stills including 15 gelatin silver glossy 8 x 10 in. prints taken on location and showing Elizabeth Taylor as “Cleopatra” in wig, and Kenneth Haigh “Brutus” dead body brought before Richard Burton “Marc Antony.” The massed troops are shown as are select soldiers for detailed shots of armor and dress. Includes one color photograph of a costume design sketch for a market scene. Very good; exhibiting slight handling wear. $300 – $500


777. COLLECTION OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR CLEOPATRA HAIR DRESSING DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPHS FROM CLEOPATRA. Collection of 23 glossy black and white borderless 8 1⁄4 in. x 10 1⁄2 in. continuity photographs of Elizabeth Taylor in various hair shots for wigs on the set of Cleopatra. Taylor is featured in various scenes from her Alexandria apartment, the mausoleum, the tombs, her villa, and others. Includes 3 candid on-set Polaroids. Includes Cleopatra film program signed in red ink at the lower front cover by John Chambers. $600 – $800


173. ELIZABETH TAYLOR COLOR TRANSPARENCIES AND NEGATIVES FROM CLEOPATRA AND THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Twelve (12) 35mm to 8 x 10 in. color transparencies and negatives of Elizabeth Taylor from Cleopatra (1963), The Taming of the Shrew (1967) as well as candid shots. Very fine. $400 – $600


754. HOWARD TERPNING ORIGINAL FINAL-DRAFT ONE-SHEET POSTER ARTWORK FOR CLEOPATRA. (TCF, 1963) In late 1962 20th Century-Fox Studios commissioned well known studio artist HowardTerpning to create the promo- tional artwork for the upcoming epic Cleopatra, perhaps the most-hyped Hollywood film since 1939’s Gone With the Wind. This is the master painting for the standard “one-sheet” poster exhibited in virtually all the movie theaters featuring the film. Accomplished in acrylic on illustration board and measuring approx. 27 1⁄2 in. x 31 1⁄2 in., the painting depicts Elizabeth Taylor, the last great female star of the 20th Century, in all her regal glory as she sits upon a solid gold throne of Nubian cats holding the crook & flail of Osiris—the Pharaoh’s symbols of royalty, majesty and dominion over ancient Egypt. Flanking her on either side are Richard Burton as Marc Antony and Rex Harrison as Julius Caesar. This magnificent “Royal Portrait” depicts all three of these great Hollywood stars costumed in the regal state attire of their film characters. 20th Century Fox Studio’s Cleopatra was at the time of release the most expensive motion picture ever made and Elizabeth Taylor Hollywood’s highest paid star. Production costs on the production pushed the studio to the edge of bankruptcy and forced it to sell off much of its coveted back lot later to become Century City. Artist Howard Terpning went on to become one of the most famous painters of the American Southwest and is one of only 33 members inducted into the Cowboy Artists of America. His paintings of the Plains Indians have sold for over $1.5 million dollars and are held in museums and well known private col- lections in America and overseas. In May, 2011 Profiles in History sold the Howard Terpning Cleopatra “half-sheet”poster art for $126,500.00. A once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the most important and iconic motion picture paintings of all time. Elizabeth Taylor’s beauty is captured at the zenith of her storied career. The lot is accompanied with a framed vintage Cleopatra one-sheet poster and film program depicting the art. In excellent condition; framed. $60,000 – $80,000


752. ORIGINAL CONCEPT PRODUCTION ARTWORK OF CLEOPATRA’S ALEXANDRIA APARTMENT FROM CLEOPATRA. (TCF, 1963) Large-scale original concept painting accomplished in pencil, ink, gouache and tempera on a 20 in. x 40 in. leaf of illustration paper affixed to a 30 in. x 40 in. illustration board, featuring Elizabeth Taylor as “Cleopatra” in her Alexandria apartment with numerous attendants. Twentieth Century-Fox production label at the lower right corner. Exhibits toning and slight soiling in the margins and corner wear. Acquired from the Twentieth Century-Fox sale in 1971 with the pencil notation “SK 577” on the verso and Sotheby, Parke-Bernet sticker at the lower right corner. $2,000 – $3,000


753. ORIGINAL CONCEPT PRODUCTION ARTWORK OF MARC ANTONY’S TARSUS QUARTERS FROM CLEOPATRA. (TCF, 1963) Large-scale original concept painting accomplished in pencil, ink, gouache and tempera on a 29 in. x 40 in. illustration board, featuring Richard Burton as “Marc Antony” lounging in his richly appointed Tarsus quarters. Twentieth Century-Fox production label at the lower right corner. Exhibits toning and slight soiling in the margins and corner wear. Acquired from the Twentieth Century-Fox sale in 1971 with the pencil notation “SK 579” and Sotheby, Parke-Bernet sticker on the verso. $2,000 – $3,000


750. EGYPTIAN SERVANT-MEN MONUMENTAL WALL RELIEF FROM CLEOPATRA. (TCF, 1963) Constructed of fiberglass over a wooden frame and painted to crème to resemble sandstone. Visible in the courtyard of Cleopatra’s palace, the wall relief features ten servant-men attendants of Cleopatra gesturing and bowing. Measures 56 in. x 66 1⁄2 in. with a wire on the back for hanging and display. Special shipping arrangements will apply. $1,500 – $2,500


775. ELIZABETH TAYLOR MASTER SOLID PLASTER LIFECAST BY JOHN CHAMBERS AND 6 PHOTOS BY RODDY MCDOWALL OF THE PROCE- DURE. This Cleopatra-era lifecast was created by make-up masters John Chambers on August 8, 1962 for The List of Adrian Messenger (Universal, 1963). A relatively modern-day mystery, it featured a number of promi- nent Hollywood actors who were heavily disguised in make-up with their identities revealed at the end of the film. Elizabeth Taylor was offered a disguised role but turned it down because the make-up would be too uncomfortable. This plaster lifecast was done for this make-up test in Gstaad, Switzerland. The lifecast is signed and dated by Chambers on the verso. Accompanied by (6) 8 in. x 10 in. photographs by Roddy McDowall showing Chambers and Taylor during the procedure. Photos mounted to illustration board with handwritten notations. $1,000 – $1,500


ELIZABETH TAYLOR’S LAVISH STUDIO—CUSTOMIZED DRESSING ROOM TRAILER FOR CLEOPATRA. (TCF, 1963) It is widely known that Twentieth Century Fox’s 1963 epic Cleopatra was both a troubled and devastatingly expensive production. The film is infamous for nearly bankrupting the studio with its budget swelling to $44 million (equivalent to $320 million in 2010 dollars). Star Elizabeth Taylor was awarded a record-setting contract of $1 million that rose to $7 million due to the delays of the production (equivalent to over $47 million today). The studio was in particular trouble when Taylor became very ill during the early filming and was rushed to the hospital where a life-saving tracheotomy had to be performed. The production was moved to Rome after six months as the English weather proved detrimental to her recovery, as well as being responsible for the constant deterioration of the costly sets required for the production. During the filming Elizabeth met Richard Burton and the two began a very public affair which made the headlines worldwide. To help Taylor remain focused and stay in character,Twentieth Century Fox spent a rumored $75,000 (in 1960s dollars!) to build a heavily customized 36-foot dressing room/trailer for the star, staying true to the theme of the Egyptian/Roman epic. The Aljo trailer is decorated with opulence, through the talent and expertise of the studio set construction crew. It features rose colored carpeting, hand-painted ceilings, hand-painted murals in the bedroom, detailed crown moldings, custom makeup dresser and vanity, half columns mounted on the walls and other columned furniture and decorative pieces. Silky curtains hang from a semicircular runner to separate the bedroom from the rest of the living area. This special hideaway was designed to make the star feel like the Queen of Egypt.

The provenance of this fabled trailer is fascinating. Millionaire financier and developer of the Watergate complex in Washington, DC, Nicolas Salgo, helped arrange financial backing for the film for the studio. Once the film wrapped, Salgo negotiated with Fox to keep Elizabeth Taylor’s dressing room trailer and had it parked at his ZX Ranch in Oregon from the 1960s through 1980. Friends visiting the ranch, the largest in Oregon, would request to stay in the Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton love nest—Hollywood’s version of the Lincoln Bedroom . Once Salgo sold the ranch, he transferred ownership to his neighbor from the adjacent ranch (the current owner and consignor) who owned The Lakeview Fantastic Museum where it became part of the museum exhibit. The trailer now resides as a guest house of his personal residence in Lake Tahoe, California.

The furniture, fixtures and curtains are all original. The other pieces currently decorating the dressing room, such as chairs, hand mirror, tel- ephones, magazines, photographs, etc. are placed as a museum-like tribute to Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Cleopatra. The original round bed was removed over 40 years ago and replaced with a queen-sized bed. Some areas on the walls exhibit minor moisture damage which can be easily restored; otherwise, in very good condition with original curtains and main fixtures intact. Due to the size of the trailer, special transportation considerations must be arranged by the winning bidder. A wonderful and intimate Elizabeth Taylor piece, epitomizing the epic extravagance of Cleopatra—the last of the old guard Hollywood films. $50,000 – $75,000

All these items will be auctioned off as part of the Icons of Hollywood Auction December 15 - 16, 2011 at The Paley Center For Media 465 North Beverly Drive Beverly Hills, CA

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Eric Roth close to becoming writer for the 3D Cleopatra film


Eric Roth close to becoming writer on Fincher’s 3D CLEOPATRA pic
By Bill Melidoneas

"According to Variety, Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth (FORREST GUMP, MUNICH, and THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON) looking reunite with David Fincher on his 3D CLEOPATRA epic. Oscar winning scribe Brian Helgeland (L.A CONFIDENTIAL) adapted the novel CLEOPATRA: A LIFE but it seems Fincher is bringing on his own writer to tailor the script to his cinematic style having worked with Roth on their Oscar-nominated efforts in THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON.

CLEOPATRA will take a closer, more intimate perspective from the Egyptian ruler showing her as a master strategist in war and politics. The film is slated to star Angelina Jolie, the only actress Hollywood believes is bankable in a big epic-type film such as this or for any big budget female starring vehicle.

This is going to be one of the most interesting and ambitious films Hollywood has put out in a very long time: a 3D historical epic taking on a new approach of a legendary character directed by one of Hollywood’s great contemporary filmmakers."

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