As someone who has been interested in Cleopatra since they were little, I was deeply interested in this movie. I enjoyed all of it but decided on this scene to analyze. In this scene, the eye level camera angle allows the viewer to observe the dynamic between Antony and Cleopatra. Antony is put in a position of power looking down on Cleopatra, despite this Cleopatra’s power is still shown in her clothes. The choice of green reveals Cleopatra’s cunning along with the choice of gold snakes. Full analysis of the scene puts Cleopatra and Antony as equals despite the difference in gender.
I think this scene needs to be viewed in conjunction with the scene Amanda discussed. In Amanda's scene, Antony stood in a half-shadow and was separated from Cleopatra by some kind of caryatid. His simple woolen garment, kind of a hermit's dress, contrasted not only with the military garb in which we used to see him earlier, but also with Cleopatra's elegant green dress and her golden jewelry. This scene symbolizes their reapproachment. Both stand much closer together, and both are now lighted up.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Antony looks down upon Cleopatra does support your interpretation that he is the person in power in this scene. I think he is in charge because in the end he had to decide to come out of his funk and reconcile with Cleopatra