Cleopatra Image Analysis

In this scene, we see Mark Antony at one of his lowest points. He had just lost the Battle of Actium and it has clearly taken a toll on him. Both Mark Antony and Cleopatra are placed in the middle of this eye-level angle, putting them level to the audience, allowing us to sympathize with the situation they are both placed in. Speaking of which, the tight framing created by the medium shot tells the audience that they feel trapped by their current situation, that being that Octavian requires Antony's head to ensure peace between Egypt and Rome. The only lighting in the shot appears to come from the fire to the left of the shot. The fire, much like their lives, will be put out in a matter of time. The audience doesn't see any light on Antony's face, only illuminating Cleopatra's face, signaling that the only light keeping Antony going is Cleopatra. Without her, it's safe to assume Antony would have jumped into the ocean to drown after losing the battle. Also, the contrast between Antony's lack of light with the light on the pillar to his left creates an outline that resembles a shadow, saying that Antony is a shadow of his former self.