Cleopatra’s Score Could Make Or Break The Film – How Will A Composer Create A Believable Egyptian Sound?

Rumours are heating up that there will soon be a new Cleopatra movie from Denis Villeneuve with Zendaya set to star as the ancient Egyptian ruler. The director has shown that he can produce epic works with Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, and he could be the perfect director to bring the queen’s story to the big screen for modern audiences. One of the most important aspects of a film like this is the score, and it will require a skilled composer who can capture the sound of the era. They will have to draw on archaeological research and use modern technology to bring ancient Egypt to life.

The Lumineers – ‘Cleopatra’

Even though judging a book by its cover isn’t considered to be the done thing, I was very much intrigued by that of ‘Cleopatra’, which features silent era star, and first film “vamp” Theda Bara, both in and out of costume, from the 1917 production of the film ‘Cleopatra’. It’s a stunning image, almost disturbing, as Bara stares defiantly from across time. Having enjoyed immensely their debut self titled album, I was certainly looking forward to their follow up, ‘Cleopatra’, and so I dived straight in.