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Silent Italian Film Spectacle, “Antony and Cleopatra” Released on DVD

Shakespeare’s play of the story of Antony & Cleopatra has been told in many ways. What is rarely known, apart from film historians, is that the silent Italian cinema specialized in filming spectacles - extending the art’s potential well beyond craft and technology. This version. starring Amleto Novelli & Gianna Terribili-Gonzales Enrico Guazzoni’s Antony & Cleopatra comes from 1913.

Filmmaker Enrico Guazzoni was behind many early Italian historical epics, including the internationally acclaimed film Quo Vadis and Caius Julius Ceasar. Guazzoni started out as a painter and decorator. In addition to directing, he often wrote his own scripts and designed all the sets and the costumes.

Synopsis: 40 - 30 B.C. Roman Republic war ruled by Triumvirate. Marc Antony (idolized war Chief and strongest member of the Triumvirate which ruled the Roman Republic) and Octavius (Antony’s brother-in-law) were members. The Nile River was cradle of the civilization. Beyond Egypt lies primeval mystery. Antony, fresh from war, lands in Egypt to punish Cleopatra, the Pagan Queen of Egypt (whose fatal influence over the Roman General shaped the destiny of the empire and changed the boundaries of the Eastern world) for her assistance to the enemies of Rome. He summoned Cleopatra. Bound by pagan superstition - she consults an oracle to know what to do. The sacred flame reveals, “Go thou to Antony, O beautiful Queen and thy power over him shall be infinite.” Cleopatra makes the trip down the Nile in pomp and barbaric splendor proceeded by the riches treasures of Egypt.

Also in 1913, the silent Italian Cinema released another blockbuster, Spartacus.

Marcantonio and Cleopatra, as it was originally called, was a mere 68 minutes in length. It is a product of a spectacle filled era where Italy dominated the film industry around the world. During the silent period, the cinema also attracted the critical attention of key Italian intellectuals. Famous writers like Pirandello and D’Anunnzio provided film scripts.

Unfortunately, Italy’s defeat after World War I, American and European competition virtually destroyed Italian cinema.

The release of Enrico Guazzoni’s Antony & Cleopatra lets everyone take a glimpse back when Italy was synonymous with great, grand film production. It’s a rare treat.