As film adaptations of Shakespeare go, Joseph L. Mankiewicz's "Julius Caesar" is a pretty good one. In general, the stunt casting approach works, even in some of the most dubious cases (Marlon Brando? Greer Garson? Louis Calhern?).
Brando, against all odds, makes a fine Marc Antony. I had expected to find his high-pitched mumble sound ridiculous reciting Shakespeare, but his is quite a compelling performance. However, the actor who shines the most, and who I never hear anyone talk about in relation to this film, is James Mason, giving a superbly effective performance as Brutus. He is completely at ease with the language, but unlike many of the other cast members, does not let the stately poetry do his work for him, and invests Brutus with a great deal of emotional depth.
The film looks marvelous; director Mankiewicz sends his camera prowling around sumptuously designed sets, and sheds a chilly black and white glow on the action.
However, despite the mostly strong acting and terrific production design, I never really warmed to the movie, just as I rarely do to any filmed version of a Shakespeare work. There are so many wonderful stories to tell cinematically, that I just don't get the point of rehashing over and over properties that so clearly belong on the stage. Give me Mankiewicz's "All About Eve" over yet one more filmed Shakespeare play any day.
Grade: B
Brando, against all odds, makes a fine Marc Antony. I had expected to find his high-pitched mumble sound ridiculous reciting Shakespeare, but his is quite a compelling performance. However, the actor who shines the most, and who I never hear anyone talk about in relation to this film, is James Mason, giving a superbly effective performance as Brutus. He is completely at ease with the language, but unlike many of the other cast members, does not let the stately poetry do his work for him, and invests Brutus with a great deal of emotional depth.
The film looks marvelous; director Mankiewicz sends his camera prowling around sumptuously designed sets, and sheds a chilly black and white glow on the action.
However, despite the mostly strong acting and terrific production design, I never really warmed to the movie, just as I rarely do to any filmed version of a Shakespeare work. There are so many wonderful stories to tell cinematically, that I just don't get the point of rehashing over and over properties that so clearly belong on the stage. Give me Mankiewicz's "All About Eve" over yet one more filmed Shakespeare play any day.
Grade: B