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Cleopatra

Name: Cleopatra
Director: J. Gordon Edwards
Released: 1917
Duration: 125 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1917

Director

J. Gordon Edwards

Runtime

125 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cleopatra (1917) presents a striking contrast between its progressive gender dynamics and its regressive racial depictions. The film centers on a woman who wields immense political and sexual power, disrupting early 20th-century gender hierarchies through a highly assertive protagonist. However, this ability to act is filtered through a colonialist lens, with white actors portraying North African and Middle Eastern figures, preventing any authentic ethnic representation. The film prioritizes melodramatic archetypes over cultural accuracy.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cleopatra have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on heterosexual relationships between Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony. There are no representations of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex intimacy in the surviving fragments.

How does Cleopatra portray gender?

Good

Cleopatra is portrayed as a sexually assertive and politically cunning leader rather than a passive figure. This portrayal grants the protagonist a significant role in driving the story and challenges traditional submissive female stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cleopatra?

Minimal

The production uses white actors to play North African and Middle Eastern roles, reflecting a Western-centric fantasy of the 'exotic' East.

How does Cleopatra represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative explores themes of decadence and power within ruling classes but follows a traditional tragic arc without offering a systemic critique of empire or culture.

Does Cleopatra include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible focus on characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the available fragments.

Present on Screen

The film provides a nuanced depiction of female power by centering a politically cunning and autonomous protagonist.
Cleopatra challenges traditional submissive female stereotypes through her sexual assertiveness and ability to act.

Limited or Absent

The production relies on Western-centric casting, using white actors for North African and Middle Eastern roles.
The depiction of Egypt functions as an exoticized Western fantasy rather than an authentic ethnic representation.
The narrative lacks a systemic critique of empire, opting instead for traditional melodramatic clichés.

Official Synopsis

The story of Cleopatra, the fabulous queen of Egypt, and the epic romances between her and the greatest men of Rome, Julius Caesar and Antony. Only a small fragment of this film survives.

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