You know that feeling when you watch a movie so extravagant it makes your jaw drop? That's Liz Taylor's Cleopatra in a nutshell. I remember first seeing those gold-covered barges as a teenager and thinking, "How did they even build this?" But behind the glitter, this Cleopatra film with Liz Taylor nearly sank 20th Century Fox. Let's peel back the curtain.
The Production That Almost Broke Hollywood
When they started filming the Cleopatra movie starring Elizabeth Taylor in 1960, nobody expected chaos. But oh boy, chaos is exactly what they got. The original budget was $2 million. Final cost? $44 million (about $440 million today). They rebuilt ancient Rome... twice. First in England (weather ruined everything), then in Italy where rain turned sets to mud. Over 10,000 workers built Cleopatra's palace alone. The production became a money pit – but wow, did it show on screen.
Funny story: My film professor once met an extra from Cleopatra who recalled Liz Taylor arriving daily in a convertible Rolls-Royce with her pet chipmunk. Only in 1963 Hollywood!
By the Numbers: Cleopatra's Staggering Scale
| Category | Detail | Modern Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Costumes for Liz | 65 elaborate outfits | 1 costume = $80,000 today |
| Barge Scene Gold Leaf | 24-karat gold sheets | Cost more than 20 houses |
| Crew Size | Over 10,000 people | Population of a small town |
| Editing Footage | 96 hours shot | Only 4 hours used |
Why Elizabeth Taylor Was Born to Play Cleopatra
Let's be honest – no other actress could've pulled this off. Taylor demanded $1 million upfront (unheard of then), plus 10% of profits. She knew her worth. Her violet eyes mirrored ancient descriptions of the real Cleopatra. When she first appears rolled in a carpet at Caesar's feet? Iconic. But here's what few discuss: Taylor fought for Cleopatra's intelligence to shine through. "She wasn't just a seductress," Taylor insisted in interviews. "She spoke nine languages and ruled an empire."
*Cleopatra film Liz Taylor* trivia: That famous gold headdress weighed 15 pounds. Taylor wore it for 8-hour shoots without complaint, even when it gave her migraines. Dedication.
Behind the Scenes Drama
Off-camera was wilder than the script. Taylor's near-death pneumonia shutdown production for months. Then came the scandal: Her affair with co-star Richard Burton exploded during filming. Paparazzi stalked them in Rome, dubbing them "Le Scandale." Studio execs panicked – but secretly loved the free publicity. Honestly? The real-life chemistry burns through the screen. Their first kiss in the film? That wasn't acting.
My hot take: Modern blockbusters have CGI. Cleopatra had real chariots, real gold, and real fireworks between the leads. That rawness still grabs me.
Where to Watch Liz Taylor's Cleopatra Today
Good news! This classic survived its rocky history. Here's how to experience it:
| Platform | Format | Special Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney+ | 4K Restoration | Commentary track, documentaries | Subscription ($7.99+) |
| Amazon Prime | HD Rental | None (basic rental) | $3.99 rental |
| Criterion Blu-ray | Physical Disc | Deleted scenes, 1963 premiere footage | $40-$50 |
For true fans, the Criterion release is worth every penny – you get the full 4-hour roadshow version with overture and intermission. Watching Liz Taylor’s Cleopatra with that golden cinema glow? Magic.
Cleopatra's Lasting Impact on Pop Culture
Forget superhero movies – Cleopatra was the original spectacle. It inspired:
- ▶️ Fashion: 1963 saw Egyptian-style eyeliner explode
- ▶️ Set Design (Gladiator owes it big time)
- ▶️ Movie Marketing – First film to spend $1M+ on ads
- ▶️ Legal Contracts: Taylor's deal changed star negotiations forever
Even the flaws were influential. Those massive cost overruns taught studios to impose strict budgets. Still, I argue modern epics like Dune feel sterile compared to Cleopatra's handcrafted grandeur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleopatra and Liz Taylor
Did Elizabeth Taylor really wear 65 costumes in Cleopatra?
Absolutely! Costume designer Irene Sharaff created each piece by hand. The famous gold robe alone took 8 weeks. Fun fact: Taylor kept several pieces, including the serpent bracelet she wears during suicide scenes.
Why was Cleopatra film with Liz Taylor considered a flop?
It wasn't – eventually. Though famously over budget, it earned $57.7 million worldwide (top earner of 1963). But profits took years due to massive debts. The *Cleopatra film Liz Taylor* legacy is complicated: artistically triumphant, financially terrifying.
Where was Cleopatra filmed?
After disastrous UK weather forced relocation, most was shot at Cinecittà Studios near Rome. Some battle scenes used Spanish landscapes. Visiting the studios today? Ask about Stage 5 – that’s where Cleopatra’s throne room stood.
How historically accurate is the Cleopatra movie?
Surprisingly solid on big moments – Caesar’s assassination, naval battles. But Taylor famously said: "We took poetic license. Real history doesn’t have Richard Burton’s voice." Fair point! The *Cleopatra film Liz Taylor* version amps up romance but nails political intrigue.
Should You Watch the Cleopatra Film Today?
Look, it’s four hours long. Pace yourself. But as someone who’s seen it 6 times? Yes. Here’s why:
- ▶️ Taylor’s performance is hypnotic – watch her shift from playful to lethal in Scene 78
- ▶️ Sets that feel alive – No green-screen fakery here
- ▶️ The birth of modern celebrity culture – This film created the tabloid frenzy we know today
Just skip the 1974 re-cut version – editors butchered it down to 2 hours. The full Cleopatra movie with Liz Taylor demands commitment. Make an epic night of it: order takeout, dim the lights, and let ancient Egypt swallow you whole.
Final thought? That final scene haunted me for days. When Antony’s messenger tells Cleopatra he’s dead, Taylor doesn’t scream. She goes terrifyingly still. Then her eyes shift – you see her calculating suicide. Chills. Decades later, no CGI blockbuster matches that human spark. Maybe that’s why we keep revisiting this messy, magnificent Cleopatra film starring Elizabeth Taylor. Imperfections and all.
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