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Virginia Tech

Influencing factors in film costume design: the films of Cleopatra

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

This thesis examines the multiple factors which have influenced costume design in film history by observing the various representations of the historical figure Cleopatra in motion pictures. Beginning with a brief history of the changing role of the costume designer in film, and a brief history of both the historical and legendary Cleopatra, this paper then analyzes the factors that have influenced costume design in four specific films about Cleopatra: Cleopatra (1917), Cleopatra (1934), Caesar and Cleopatra (1946) and Cleopatra (1963). Criteria for examination of costume design in these films includes previous precedents and contemporary screen conventions, the background and style of both the director and costume designer, the ramifications of the Motion Picture Association Code, studio influence and trends of contemporary fashion. Transcribed drawings of the various costumes which appear in the aforementioned films of Cleopatra, and still photographs from these films are included to supplement written observations.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Fine Arts
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Theatre Arts
Department dc:contributor.department
Theatre Arts
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1984

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Wedin, Laura Jones
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Proctor, Felice N.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Drapeau, Donald A.
  • Ward, Randy W.

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-10302008-123755
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/35547

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Wedin, Laura Jones. Influencing factors in film costume design: the films of Cleopatra. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 1984. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/35547