Heavy on dialogue and lacking in humour, "Julius Caesar" nevertheless has a great deal going for it - the powerful characters and some memorable speeches (I needn't list which ones), along with political intrigue combined with a supernatural undertone make this the best of Shakespeare's Roman dramas.
Julius Caesar (Charles Gray) arrives back in Rome after a glorious victory in Pompey. However, his inclinations towards political moves that would see him assume absolute control over the country see a rebellion among his inner circle that kick-starts a civil war that threatens to destroy the Roman Empire.
Unlike "Coriolanus" and "Antony and Cleopatra", this production actually makes an effort for accuracy in it's period detail and the Roman costumes and sets (within the confines of a BBC budget) actually look pretty good. The production employs an interesting technique of having the actors seem to 'think' their monologues (reacting wordlessly in camera as the monologue is spoken as a voice-over). This is a great idea that I'd like to see used more often in Shakespeare screen adaptations.
Charles Gray restrains the camp with which he imbues many performances and gives a very dignified and honest portrayal of Caesar. Richard Pasco and David Collings are very good as the scheming Brutus and Cassius, and Virginia McKenna gives a very spirited and sensual performance as Portia. Also of note is Keith Michell, who is excellent as Marc Antony.
It's a sit-through with little humour to counter the drama but it's worth it.
Julius Caesar (Charles Gray) arrives back in Rome after a glorious victory in Pompey. However, his inclinations towards political moves that would see him assume absolute control over the country see a rebellion among his inner circle that kick-starts a civil war that threatens to destroy the Roman Empire.
Unlike "Coriolanus" and "Antony and Cleopatra", this production actually makes an effort for accuracy in it's period detail and the Roman costumes and sets (within the confines of a BBC budget) actually look pretty good. The production employs an interesting technique of having the actors seem to 'think' their monologues (reacting wordlessly in camera as the monologue is spoken as a voice-over). This is a great idea that I'd like to see used more often in Shakespeare screen adaptations.
Charles Gray restrains the camp with which he imbues many performances and gives a very dignified and honest portrayal of Caesar. Richard Pasco and David Collings are very good as the scheming Brutus and Cassius, and Virginia McKenna gives a very spirited and sensual performance as Portia. Also of note is Keith Michell, who is excellent as Marc Antony.
It's a sit-through with little humour to counter the drama but it's worth it.