This is a blog for IDS 101-17 (fall 2016) at Willamette University
Monday, September 12, 2016
In this medium shot the director establishes the power Cleopatra has over the great Julius Caesar. The level upon which the camera sits is about eye level making it seem like we the audience are there in person. However the even lighting does not seem to establish any important aspects of this scene. Color in this scene is very important. Gold is everywhere. This color establishes the wealth of the nation of Egypt and the power of these individuals. Most importantly is the mise en scene, the placement of Cleopatra above that of Caesar is telling of not only the plot but her power over him. He has basically handed her the throne by sentencing the brother to death. Despite this exchange of power Caesar still finds himself bowing before her. This is very telling of the power she has over him. The techniques in this scene deliver the message that Cleopatra has the power over the relationship.
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Your comments about who has the power become a bit repetitive at the end, but they are nevertheless straight-on. In a way, it should be Caesar who is more powerful since he is the person who was able to grant Cleo sole rule, and only when he as Rome's representative acknowledges her position by kneeling is she really the sole ruler of Egypt. Yet the mise-en-scene shows that Cleo is the center of everyone's attention, whereas Caesar is marginalized and below her.
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