Comments | shaksper_random: Video productions of Antony or Caesar?

likeadeuce in shaksper_random

Video productions of Antony or Caesar?

Mar 21, 2010 12:08

Any thoughts on the various productions of either Antony & Cleopatra or Julius Caesar that are available either on DVD or online? It's been a while since I've seen any of them, though I remember liking the '70s A&C that had Corin Redgrave and Patrick Stewart in supporting roles. What about the BBC production (Colin Blakely and Jane Lapoitaire) or ( Read more... )

Comments 5

selenak March 21 2010, 20:30:24 UTC

I remember the BBC production as somewhat stately, and also remember a very defensive leaflet stating they did not reuse the set and costumes from I, Claudius (which apparantly some reviewers had accused them of); they totally altered the togas to account for the difference between late republic and early empire.

Julius Caesar is actually quite often produced here in Germany, and in Austria. Usually in the "beware demagogues and dictators" vein. One of the more memorable productions of the last decade was directed by Peter Stein and part of the Salzburg festival.

I think the Mercury radio version of JC is out there somewhere, but I haven't been able to get my fingers on it, though I have most of Orson's Mercury stuff.

likeadeuce March 21 2010, 20:33:30 UTC

Hah, now I'm kind of curious. I might just give the version I've seen before another watch, though, as I remember liking it.

And I've just gotten to the chapter in the Callow book about that Caesar production, I think. (They just started the Mercury).

selenak March 21 2010, 20:42:00 UTC

That's a fantastic chapter, as Callow really brings that production to life. (You can tell he's an actor.:)

dontcrosscross March 21 2010, 21:03:10 UTC

Don't know anything about A&C. The 1953 version of Julius Caesar, YES, YES, YES. It's brilliant - I'm not actually a fan of Brando as Antony, but John Gielgud as Cassius is AMAZING. Also, James Mason as Brutus. :D (It doesn't hurt that they're both quite good-looking.)

I might also recommend the 1979 BBC production of Caesar. It's a bit silly at times, but if you have a couple of hours free I'd watch it. I think both of those are on youtube - the 1953 one's all over the place.

likeadeuce March 21 2010, 21:05:47 UTC

Awesome, thanks!