Queen Cleopatra is a leading figure in world history who was immortalized by Shakespeare in his tragic play Antony and Cleopatra, a love story of two powerful leaders who succumbed to love and jealousy, or is that what the famous playwright wanted? say through their literature? When we think of Queen Cleopatra, we think of the matchless beauty of Egypt, bathing in milk, and we think of Elizabeth Taylor encapsulating the pharaoh's beauty in such a way that it's still hard to imagine another actor in the role of another. than the iconic Hollywood actress. But the new Netflix Original documentary series about the famous Queen of Egypt isn't interested in just talking about the doomed love story. Directors Tina Gharavi and Victoria Adeola Thomas tell us the story of the politician and leader that was the Queen, who managed to stay strong until the end.
The documentary begins with an American teacher, Shelley Haley, remembering what her grandmother told her about the representation of Cleopatra in textbooks. Her grandmother was sure that Cleopatra was black, and she specifically asked a young school-going Shelley not to believe what she was being taught about this famous queen of the bygone era. No matter what they teach you in school about Cleopatra, she remembers that she was black." The documentary opens with a discussion of the career of the venerable and seductive Queen, which has been a topic of debate for a while in the wake of the issue of inclusivity.
The Hollywood of the past conveniently whitewashed many of the historical and mythical figures who were all born in the Middle East, North Africa or the Mediterranean. Although it was considered acceptable half a century ago, it is no longer acceptable to misrepresent anyone. Remember the cult classic The Ten Commandments (1956) and the very recent Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)?
The documentary Queen Cleopatra is quick to mention the race of this queen, who was said to have Macedonian roots, which brings us to the current cast of this series. Yes, the director probably wanted to make a political statement, but he decided to cast English-speaking British actress Adele James to play the lead. If one wants to talk about inclusion, how about casting an ethnic Egyptian actress to play the role? Wouldn't that have brought authenticity to the table? Simply asking questions for people to contemplate.
Returning to what the documentary focuses on, Tina and Victoria take us through the life of Cleopatra, who was born into the Ptolemaic royal dynasty, which ruled Egypt for quite some time, and was also considered the granary of the Roman Empire. Egypt would grow the food and the entire Roman Empire would reap the benefits. Cleopatra was raised with all the privileges of a princess, and that would include education as well. She was surrounded by knowledge in the form of the great library of Alexandria, where she also learned the Egyptian language. With the death of her father, Pharaoh Ptolemy XII, and her being her eldest daughter, she and her brother Ptolemy XIII had to marry according to her father's will and rule the dynasty as co-regents. . Ptolemy XIII's advisor, Pothinus, who wanted absolute power, pushed his pharaoh to work against his sister-wife.
Cleopatra was the smarter of the couple and she managed to flee from Egypt, away from all her brothers, who wanted her dead. This is one of the many challenges Pharaoh Cleopatra faces on her long journey to become her only, immaculate Queen Cleopatra. Will she take back what is rightfully hers and how will she manage to keep the Roman Empire at bay? Her political maneuvering with the Roman leader Julius Caesar, followed by the commander of the Roman army, Mark Antony, is something everyone knows, but what are the political moves made by the Queen according to historical records? Was there more to her than making sure Egypt remained independent of her?
Congratulations to Tina and Victoria for showing the world through this documentary the version of Queen Cleopatra, who was a politician and leader, who is never shown or talked about when there is a discussion about her. People always jump into talking about her beauty. There was more to her than being a beautiful woman. If she had not been smart, she would not have held strong political influence in the North African region and would not have had the backing of the Egyptians. She was an influencer who knew which button to push to make sure people would support her and the ally she was looking for would also support her. Her relationship with Julius Caesar, followed by her impression that he works for the betterment of Egypt, is arguably a statement from a leader who knows what is right at all times.