In this scene we see Caesar bowing down to Cleopatra. This scene is significant for a number of ways, but mostly because of the change in Caesar's character in this moment. This image shows a medium shot of both the Queen and Caesar. Cleopatra is the center point of the image. You can see her traditional attire and both of the crowns of Egypt, as well as other symbols of her coronation. Cleopatra is also showcasing white, gold and red, which are all powerful colors. Caesar is off-centered and kneeling at the feet of Cleopatra in his Roman crown and golden armor as well as the royal red under garments. The lighting is bright and angelic over Cleopatra while the background and even Caesar is dimly lit. This is a symbol of her power over Caesar, when it comes to love. The camera angle is not quite eye-level but a bit lower. This might symbolize that even as the viewer we are lower than Cleopatra, and is another way of showing off her beauty and power. All of these symbols and the way the camera is positioned helps to bring attention to the importance of this scene in particular. Caesar is declaring the greatest form of respect and love for Cleopatra as a woman and a Queen. He puts his own reputation aside and gives her the respect she deserves.

You're doing a nice job discussing the power relations, the lighting, and the colors of the costumes. Just to be ornery, though, Cleopatra is not exactly in the middle of the shot. The enact center would be the blue tassel (probably attached to a spear point) between Cleopatra's left shoulder and Caesar's head. If the camera had filmed Cleo from the front, it would be clear that she is impassively looking straight ahead. Because the camera looks at her a bit from the side, however, it appears that Cleo is turned toward Caesar, just as the kneeling Caesar is turned toward her. This angle visualizes their intimate relationship. These two care for each other.
ReplyDeleteThe wing of Isis that stretches from Cleopatra's throne to Caesar, kind of taking him under the wings of Cleopatra/Isis, must similarly be a visual comment on their relationship.
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