Why was Cleopatra, the film starring Elizabeth Taylor, so controversial?
“Cleopatra” (1963)~a story that had been filmed at least twice before, plus a production of GB Shaw’s “Caesar and Cleopatra”~cost mega-bucks and went way over the limit on budget and shooting schedule. In the midst of this, Elizabeth Taylor nearly died from pneumonia, AND they had a scandal when Elizabeth Taylor, who had been accused of “stealing” Eddie Fisher from Debbie Reynolds, then switched her attention to Richard Burton. Besides that, she was the first person to ask for and get $1 million! She said she did it as a joke because she really didn’t want to do the film. So, there were many elements that affected the film and how the public received it. Frankly, I think it’s a remarkable accomplishment and catch it whenever I can. People should judge it fairly, forgetting about all the turmoil involved with the filming. After all, they don’t let movie politics get in the way when they watch many other films. The cast, script, sets, music and everything else are truly amazing! A link i
