The rumours are true. Sets, costumes and pageantry like few other films on earth. The problem is that Mankiewicz never had time to write a script. Some sequences are okay, others are unbearable. The chief trouble is that none of the characters are approachable, much less likeable. No fault of the actors, most of which are fine (except Hume Cronyn.) The Richard Burton/Russell Crowe connection has been pointed out by others, yes? If one were to take the story seriously, one would have to condemn it. Whereas “Starship Troopers” wryly examines fascism, “Cleopatra” celebrates it.
Welcome
Jordan Hoffman is a New York-based writer and film critic working for The Guardian, Vanity Fair, Thrillist, Times of Israel, NY Daily News and elsewhere.
He is the host of ENGAGE: The Official Star Trek Podcast, a member of the New York Film Critics Circle and challenges you to a game of backgammon.
