Cleopatra: a pop icon who never died Her lifestyle and love of luxury have shaped history, and his image has been an icon since antiquity
Twenty-one years after its release, Alain Chabat's "Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra" returns to theaters in a restored 4K version with never-before-seen scenes. The character of Cleopatra, played by the young Monica Bellucci, is once again a sensation. This is hardly surprising, given that Cleopatra is one of the oldest icons in human history, and rightly so.
Cleopatra in pop culture
Whether misleading or not, perhaps the images of the monarch that have remained longest in popular culture come from cinema and television. Cinema has the ability to change our perspective on historical events. Just as it's impossible for us to dissociate the figure of Marie-Antoinette from that of Sofia Coppola, the idea of another Cleopatra than Elizabeth Taylor is almost inconceivable to all mortals. Elizabeth Taylor's iconic performance in the 1963 film "Cleopatra", with its elaborate costumes and extravagant jewelry, remains a benchmark for fashion designers and stylists. The jewelry worn by the actress in the film was created by Bulgari. The massive bracelets worn by Cleopatra are perhaps the precursors of today's jewelry aesthetic. Marilyn Monroe herself starred in the 1953 film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" in a stunning gold lamé gown reminiscent of that worn by Cleopatra, at least in 1960s Hollywood. With 65 costume changes, the film nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox with an investment of $44 million, one of the largest in cinema history. The use of metallic fabrics, Greek draperies and oversized breastplate necklaces made Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra a fashion icon that still resonates today.
The combination of beauty, power and leadership, and historical connections has made Cleopatra an iconic symbol that transcends borders and eras. Her image continues to be recognized and admired, and her story continues to fascinate people the world over.
