This scene taken from the begging of the short movie of Cleopatra is very powerful. You can break down different angles, lighting and placement to understand why is it so strong.
Julius Caesar is shown staring into the eyes of Cleopatra and he appears very dominant. Due to the fact that Caesar is positioned higher than Cleopatra and has to look down, it represents how he is in charge in this scene. Caesar control and has to physically look down to meet Cleopatras gaze. Cleopatra is filmed laying down and craning her neck up to meet Caesar's gaze, putting her in an obvious weak position.
This shot is a medium shot meaning that the audience can only see half of the bodies. The rest of the body is not important in this scene and that is why the camera is focused on what is happening emotionally. The scene is shot at eye level enhancing the fact that this scene is very intimate. I may be wrong, but in the scene Caesar and Cleopatra soon passionately kiss. Because it is shot at this angle, the audience easily understands that these two characters are sharing a moment of passion.
This medium shot scene uses an eye level angle to create a sense of intimacy and control.
Great job on interpreting the intimate nature of the scene and the power differential. Any comment on the distribution and symbolism of colors in this scene? Another thing worth mentioning may be the obvious age difference. Caesar has graying hair and wrinkles, whereas Cleo's hair is a lustrous black and there is not a wrinkle on her face. The way she is lying, craning up her neck and looking up to Caesar, does not only make her look weaker than Caesar, but even vulnerable. Fortunately, Caesar is no vampire.;-)
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