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The 1963 film Cleopatra remains a cinematic enigma – a lavish, troubled production that nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox and cemented Elizabeth Taylor's status as a Hollywood icon. But beyond the tabloid headlines and tales of exorbitant spending, lies a complex story of artistic vision, directorial genius, and a production that pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. A new season of IndieWire's The Plot Thickens, previewed exclusively on IndieWire, dives deep into this fascinating history, focusing on the remarkable work of director Joseph L. Mankiewicz.

Mankiewicz, already a celebrated director with classics like All About Eve and A Letter to Three Wives, was tasked with bringing the legendary Egyptian queen to the big screen. But the production was fraught with challenges from the start. From casting controversies to location difficulties and escalating costs, Cleopatra seemed destined for disaster. The film's initial failure at the box office only amplified the narrative of excess and mismanagement.

However, The Plot Thickens argues that focusing solely on the chaos obscures the film's artistic merits and Mankiewicz’s significant contribution. The podcast meticulously examines Mankiewicz’s directorial choices, his meticulous attention to detail, and his ability to navigate the complexities of a massive historical epic. It explores how he sought to portray Cleopatra not as a mere seductress, but as a shrewd political player and a complex woman navigating a treacherous world.

Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal of Cleopatra is, of course, central to the story. The podcast analyzes her performance, exploring how her presence – both on and off screen – shaped the film’s trajectory. The burgeoning romance between Taylor and Richard Burton, her co-star, became a media sensation, further fueling the narrative of Cleopatra's extravagance, but it also added another layer of intrigue and complexity to the production. The podcast investigates how this relationship impacted both the film and the careers of the stars involved.

The Plot Thickens doesn't shy away from the controversies surrounding the film, including accusations of historical inaccuracies and the exploitative nature of some of its depictions of Egyptian culture. However, it reframes these criticisms within the context of the time, acknowledging the biases and limitations of early Hollywood filmmaking while still celebrating the film’s ambition and scale.

Ultimately, this season of The Plot Thickens offers a fresh perspective on Cleopatra, revealing a story far more nuanced than the tabloid headlines suggest. It’s a story of a director who risked everything on a bold vision, a star who redefined Hollywood glamour, and a film that, despite its tumultuous production, remains a landmark achievement in cinematic history. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and complexity of Cleopatra and the enduring legacy of Joseph L. Mankiewicz.