CriticSociety- film reviews

Review

Julius Caesar

Director

Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Year

1953

Rating

Reviewed by

Gon Curiel a.k.a. Groucho

Review date

Wednesday, December 04, 2002

Famous Hollywood version of William Shakespeare’s play, adapted by Mankiewicz and performed by an all-star cast.

In ancient Rome, a group of conspirators chance to murder Caesar (Louis Calhern) to prevent his potential tyranny. Among the conspirators are Cassius (John Gielgud) and Brutus (James Mason). Caesar’s right hand, Mark Antony (Marlon Brando), considerers Julius Caesar no tyrant, and will oppose the conspirators to the last consequences.

This lavish Hollywood production opposes somewhat the values of the text it’s based upon. It lacks the atmosphere of a true Shakespearean work and instead looks like some kind of realistic interpretation that doesn’t really work. However, the performances are quite sincere and the performers undoubtedly talented, if no experts at Shakespeare. Brando sure astounds in his role, especially during his famous speech that changes the minds of the people. This is one of the many roles that consolidated him as a great actor. Gielgud shines as well, and Mason is good but typical. Also note Greer Garson as Calpurnia and Deborah Kerr as Portia. Such an ensemble is not to be missed!

Great score by Miklós Rózsa.

A must for Brando fans; others can skip it.

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