Les Dix Commandements Film
- DeMille's The Ten Commandments, released in 1956, was a box office success and one of the most expensive films of its time.
- DeMille was known for his large-scale productions, even in the silent film era.
- DeMille revisited the story in the 1950s amid a surge in popularity for "peplums," ancient dramas often set in ancient Egypt or Rome.
Cecil B. demilles ‘The Ten Commandments’: A Holy Week Classic
Table of Contents
Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments, released in 1956, was a box office success and one of the most expensive films of its time. The epic production, known for its elaborate sets and wide distribution, has become a Holy Week tradition, according to cinema columnist Michel Coulombe.
DeMille’s Grand Vision
DeMille was known for his large-scale productions, even in the silent film era. His earlier version of The Ten Commandments, released in 1923, was equally aspiring. Coulombe noted the scale of the 1923 production, saying, “The film is insane by the number of extras, the number of animals, the fact that 1,600 people built the decor. We will rebuild Egypt in California, in a desert.”
Peplums and Biblical Themes
DeMille revisited the story in the 1950s amid a surge in popularity for “peplums,” ancient dramas often set in ancient Egypt or Rome. these films, characterized by their elaborate costumes and sets, captivated audiences.
A Filmmaker of Contradictions
DeMille, a devout filmmaker, reportedly envisioned a biblical trilogy. However, Coulombe described him as “a misguided puritan,” a trait that created challenges when staging an orgy scene in the 1956 film. Coulombe added that DeMille, along with Alfred Hitchcock, was one of the few directors whose name recognition was strong enough to precede the film’s title.
production and Special Effects
The screenplay took three years to write, and the film starred Hollywood icons Charlton Heston, yul Brynner, and Anne Baxter. Coulombe noted the remarkable special effects, particularly the iconic parting of the Red Sea. The film won one Academy Award for special effects.
Television Debut and Box Office Success
Coulombe explained that The Ten Commandments was not broadcast on television until 1966. He also revealed the film’s ranking in all-time American box office sales.
Cecil B. DeMille‘s “The Ten Commandments”: A Holy Week Classic
Frequently Asked Questions About the Epic Film
Q: What is “The Ten Commandments” about?
A: Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments, released in 1956, is a cinematic retelling of the biblical story of moses, his people’s exodus from Egypt, and the receiving of the Ten Commandments.
Q: When was Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Ten Commandments” released?
A: The 1956 version of The Ten Commandments was released in 1956.
Q: why is “The Ten Commandments” considered a Holy week tradition?
A: According to cinema columnist Michel Coulombe, The Ten Commandments has become a Holy Week tradition, likely due to its biblical theme and widespread distribution. The film’s release date may also have contributed to its annual viewing during this religious period.
Delving Deeper into DeMille’s Masterpiece
Q: What are some of the key characteristics of DeMille’s filmmaking style?
A: DeMille was known for his grand vision and large-scale productions. Even in the silent film era, he created films with elaborate sets and a large number of extras.
Q: What evidence exists of DeMille’s grand vision in the 1923 version of The ten Commandments?
A: Michel Coulombe noted the immense scale of the 1923 production, highlighting the use of numerous extras, animals, and the fact that 1,600 people built the decor. He also mentioned that the production rebuilt Egypt in the California desert.
Q: what are “peplums” and how does this relate to the film?
A: “Peplums” refer to a genre of ancient dramas, frequently enough set in ancient Egypt or Rome, popular during the time DeMille revisited the story in the 1950s. These films were characterized by elaborate costumes and sets and captivated audiences.this explains why DeMille chose to revisit the story in the 1950s.
Q: Was DeMille a devout man?
A: yes. The provided text states that DeMille was a devout filmmaker, which likely influenced the focus on the biblical narrative.
Q: What challenges did demille face as a filmmaker?
A: Although a devout filmmaker, Coulombe described DeMille as ”a misguided puritan,” which created challenges, like when staging an orgy scene in the 1956 film.
Q: Which famous actors starred in The Ten Commandments (1956)?
A: The film starred Hollywood icons Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, and Anne Baxter.
Q: When did The Ten Commandments first appear on television?
A: According to Coulombe, The Ten Commandments was not broadcast on television until 1966.
Q: What were the unique special effects of the film?
A: The text specifically mentions the remarkable special effects, especially the iconic parting of the Red Sea.The film won an Academy Award for these effects.
Q: How successful was The Ten Commandments at the box office?
A: The 1956 movie was a box office success and was one of the most expensive films of its time.
Q: Can you summarize key facts about the 1956 film in a table?
A:
| Feature | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————-|
| Director | Cecil B. DeMille |
| Release Year | 1956 |
| Starring | Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter |
| Notable Effects | Parting of the Red Sea |
| Box Office Status | Box office success, one of the most expensive films of its time |
| Television Debut | 1966 |
| Screenplay Length | Three years |