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The 1963 epic "Cleopatra" stands as a monumental achievement in cinematic spectacle, and at its dazzling center was Elizabeth Taylor, who, in her role as the Egyptian queen, set a Guinness World Record for the most costume changes in a single film. Taylor donned an astonishing 65 different outfits throughout the movie's lengthy runtime. This sartorial extravagance was a key element in establishing the film's grandeur and showcasing Cleopatra's legendary opulence and power.
The sheer scale of the film's wardrobe was immense, with a colossal total of 26,000 costumes created for the entire production. Taylor's personal wardrobe budget alone was a staggering $194,800, a truly unprecedented sum for the era. Three talented costume designers, Irene Sharaff (who was solely in charge of Taylor's looks), Renie Conley (responsible for women's costumes), and Vittorio Nino Novarese (for men's costumes), shared an Academy Award for their lavish creations. Their designs, while not always historically accurate, prioritized Taylor's beauty and sexuality, ultimately influencing 1960s fashion with trends like snake rings, arm cuffs, and the iconic "Cleopatra Eye" makeup.
Beyond the costumes, "Cleopatra" was infamous for its troubled and expensive production, which nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox. The film's budget ballooned to $44 million, the equivalent of over $426 million today, making it one of the most expensive films ever made. Elizabeth Taylor herself made headlines by becoming the first actress to receive a $1 million contract for a single film, a figure that eventually grew to over $7 million due to production delays and box office percentages. The highly publicized on-set romance between Taylor and her co-star Richard Burton also added to the film's legendary status, captivating audiences both on and off screen.
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