Julius Caesar (1953)

Julius Caesar
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Written by Joseph L Mankiewicz (uncredited) from the play by William Shakespeare
1953/USA
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental

[box] Marc Antony: [to Caesar’s dead body] O pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth / That I am meek and gentle with these butchers.[/box]

Julius Caesar is not my favorite of the Bard’s plays.  The film is worth seeing, however, if only for Marlon Brando’s delivery of Marc Antony’s funeral oration.

Julius Caesar (Louis Calhern), fresh from his triumphs as commander of Rome’s army, has rejected the imperial crown three times.  However, the jealous Cassius (John Gielgud) convinces Brutus (James Mason) that he is about to become emperor and put an end to Rome’s democracy.  A plot to assassinate Caesar ensues.  Several of the conspirator’s stab Caesar but Brutus delivers the fatal blow.

Marc Antony (Brando), a prominent nobel and long and loyal supporter of Caesar, asks to be allowed to deliver a eulogy.  He promises that he will speak only of Caesar’s virtues and not condemn the assassins.  He keeps his promise in such a way as to cause a riot against the conspirators.

The remainder of the play covers the civil war between forces led by Marc Antony and those of Brutus et al.

Back when I was in high school, freshmen were required to study this play.  I never understood why as to me it is one of Shakespeare’s dullest overall.  The funeral orations of Brutus and Marc Antony are stirring, however, and here they are delivered by two great actors.  Brando does quite well with the Elizabethan text.

Julius Caesar won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White.  It was nominated in the categories of Best Picture; Best Actor (Brando); Best Cinematography, Black-and-White; and Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture.

Trailer

Marc Antony’s funeral oration