ITALIAN ACTRESS MONICA BELLUCCI IS A JEWEL AS CLEOPATRA

July 25, 2002Jul 25, 2002, 11:00 PM GMT+1

Sultry Italian bombshell Monica Bellucci steals the show from under the feet of Gallic actor Gerard Depardieu in the French comedy Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre, showing off not only her comic talents in the role of Egyptian queen Cleopatra but also lighting up the screen in a series of stunning fashion creations.

Designers Phillip Guillotel and Tanino Liberatore were brought in to design nine dresses – one for each scene – that might adorn the likes of a fabulous queen of ancient times. The standout creation is a spectacular black gown adorned with 5,000 pearls.

The film is inspired by the world famous French comic books, originally written by Goscinny and Uderzo, revolving around a Gaullish tribe who refuse to give in to the Romans. Since first appearing on the market in 1961, the stories have been translated into 80 languages, including regional dialects, and delighted children around the world.

Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre is the most costly European film of all time and no expense has been spared either on the special effects or on the costumes.

The film opens in the UK on October 18. A US date for release has yet to be announced.

Designers Phillip Guillotel and Tanino Liberatore were brought in to design nine dresses – one for each scene – and the standout is a pearl-encrusted bodice

In Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre takes on the role of Cleopatra. The film is the most costly European production of all time and special attention has been paid to the kind of creations that might adorn a fabulous queen of ancient times

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