Review of Julius Caesar (1953) by Michael T — 02 Nov 2008
Great adaptation of the Shakespeare play about the events leading up to the death of Ceasar and its aftermath. James Mason is superb as Brutus, the tragic hero of this piece who sides with Cassius (the great John Gielgud) to assasinate Ceasar and save the Republic.
Ultimately, all Brutus and Cassius do is put Ceasar's nephew Augustus on the throne as emperor, but that is in the aftermath of the civil war that they are on the losing side of. The best acting in the film comes from Brando who plays Marc Antony.
After Brutus addresses the mob of Roman citizens assembled outside the senate an persuades them that the actions of the conspirators was necessary, Antony steps forward and with his superb oratory skills, brings the mob over to his side and forces Brutus et-al to flee the city.
Antony delivers an eloquent eulogy for Ceasar and then, choked with emotion, stops and turns from the crowd of onlookers. They call him back, and Antony smiles as he turns to continue his speech as he knows the mob is with him and against Brutus and Cassius.
Its a great moment that could only exist on film and shows how Shakespeare can be enhansed by Hollywood.
This review of Julius Caesar (1953) was written by Michael T on 02 Nov 2008.
Julius Caesar has generally received positive reviews.
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