Elizabeth Taylor, British-American actress most famous for her roles throughout the mid to end 20th century, is best known for her iconic 1963 performance in Cleopatra. Cleopatra is a drama that relays the triumphs and epic love story of Cleopatra’s life towards the end of the Egyptian Empire. The film was the highest grossing movie of 1963 and is known for its record-shattering budget, elaborate costumes and sets, most notably, leading lady.
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Here are 6 quotes that capture Taylor’s role and the making of the film:
“[Taylor] was the epitome of beauty at the time and set the benchmark for other Cleopatra's to be measured against.”
-The Daily Mail, acknowledging that Taylor’s performance as Cleopatra set high standards for Thandie Newton, British actress, in Virgin Media’s 2010 Shorts Competition.
“The sets were as lavish in real life as they appear on screen – no wonder the budget soared out of control.”
-Jacqui Chan, actress cast as Cleopatra’s handmaiden, recalling the extravagance of the movie, whose budget exceeded $44 million.
Chan told The Guardian in 2013 that she wore an antique headdress containing real gold that was locked in a safe after each scene.
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“The romance between Taylor and Burton was a headache for us all because every day's shoot depended on whether they'd got on well the night before. If they hadn't, one or the other wouldn't show up.”
-George Cole, English actor who played a deaf and mute man in the film, told The Guardian that Taylor and co-star Richard Burton’s infamous affair had a large impact on the filming of Cleopatra.
“The sultry, sweet-lipped, sloe-eyed look that shook the pyramids shocked the world!”
-Blogger egypto-maniac.blogspot.com on Taylor’s beauty and sex appeal as Cleopatra, which led to a Revlon Egyptian-inspired campaign. Revlon launched its “Sphinx Pink” lip color and “Sphinx Eyes” makeup line.
“Cleopatra the queen holds great mystery, as does the Taylor and Burton affair. The fiasco of the film has ended up being an ongoing media sensation.”
-Amanda Triossi, spokeswoman for the Bulgari Heritage Collection who seeks to buy back Taylor’s many Bulgari pieces,
telling The New York Times in 2013 about the timelessness and sensational influence Taylor’s role as Cleopatra continues to have.
“It was probably the most chaotic time of my life. That hasn’t changed.”
Taylor
admitting in Vanity Fair her own personal troubles during the making of the film in New York in 1963. During the filming of Cleopatra, Taylor dealt with health problems, her adulterous affair with Burton (consequently she was banned from the Vatican), and death threats.
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