Last week, we read that Angelina Jolie was set to star in an upcoming biopic as Cleopatra. This seemed like an apt choice seeing as another dark-haired caucasian, Elizabeth Taylor, played the famous Egyptian ruler in the 1963 remake. But is Angelina, and Elizabeth for that matter, accurate representations?
more Angelina Jolie after the hop…
Absolutely not say historians. In fact, Cleopatra was likely dark skinned, short and heavy-set.
“A statue of Cleopatra exhibited at the British Museum in 2001 portrayed her as plain, no more than 5ft tall and rather plump… She probably wasn’t just completely European. You’ve got to remember that her family had actually lived in Egypt for 300 years by the time she came to power.”
In fact, a blogger for Essence.com thinks the role should have gone to an African-American actress.
“I don’t care how full Angelina Jolie’s lips are, how many African children she adopts, or how bronzed her skin will become for the film. I firmly believe this role should have gone to a Black woman…What’s next? A biopic on Sojourner Truth played by Betty White?”
What do you think? Just let Hollywood be Hollywood and book the most bankable star, or should they attempt to be more historically accurate?
Photos: Fame
4 Responses to “Should Angelina Jolie Play Cleopatra?”
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Salma Hayek would be a better choice.
I think that Angelina would be the perfect Cleopatra
Cleopatra in fact was of a Greek origin, so by all means her skin wasn’t black. She could be much more the character of Briseis in Troy. But I have no problems with Angelina.
I think Zoe Saldana should play Cleopatra. She is younger, just as beautiful, and would be great in that part.