Damian Lewis as Antony in Julius Caesar: 'Friends, Romans, countrymen' | Shakespeare Solos

To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, we asked leading actors to perform key speeches from his plays. Here, Damian Lewis performs Antony’s lines from Act III, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar. Antony has been granted permission to speak at Caesar’s funeral so long as he does not implicate the conspirators in his death, but he skilfully turns the crowd against them.
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[@tommyt1971]

"And Brutus is an honorable man." Each time he says it, he sounds just a liiiiiiittle more angry. Brilliant acting.

[@HartmutJagerArt]

Damian Lewis acts and presents Marc Antony as a sensitive man, which he was not. I think (only in my opinion) Charlton Heston's acting - as an ambitious , powerful crowd manipulating Marc Anthony - is more true to the real historic Antony . -

[@LouisKing995]

Hartmut Jager They are both interpretations of Shakespeare’s work anyway. So it doesn’t really matter which we think is more historically accurate to how Mark Antony may or may not have been.

[@HartmutJagerArt]

@@LouisKing995 True, I was merely referring to different acting interpretations of what we know from ancient historian writers of what Marc Antony might have been. 🙂

[@LouisKing995]

Hartmut Jager But also bare in mind, that Heston was delivering the speech in a scene filled with extras. Whereas Lewis is just talking directly to us, so the contexts are totally different. I imagine if Lewis was doing this to a full audience the delivery would change.

[@HartmutJagerArt]

@@LouisKing995 TRUE it would have changed ! But we are discussing what is , not necessarily what would be if. . . 🙂

[@Cryoteer]

I'm starting to think that Brutus is not an honorable man......

[@jameslegrand848]

Hey this guy has a point, I'm on this guys side!!!! *Said every Roman after everything that ever happaned anywhere*

[@bishhsasspusi2904]

1:11 brutus flew as he was an honourable man.

[@theshortsandthings]

But... Brutus is an honorable man...

[@Carterofmars]

Ya thunk?

[@Holdit66]

@@jameslegrand848 Shakespeare portrayed the Roman mob as being like a cushion: retaining the imprint of the last person who sat on them...

[@Beastman5K]

I have never heard Shakespeare sound so entirely naturally and, to use a modern descriptor, real. All while absolutely maintaining the original character of the language and diction. This is beyond impressive.

[@zarqaji8987]

Absolutely immersive performance. He not only knows but feels the language and speaks it as if it's his natural language. Beyond brilliant.

[@manfredpandey]

Couldn't agree more. One of the best rendition of this monologue, that I have seen so far ...

[@ceilingfanenthusiast6041]

Tbf, it's one of the most modern sounding passages of Shakespeare imo. I could imagine a politician or "well spoken" person saying this in the 21st century.

[@paullim1933]

Watch brando. Its even better

[@TonyTylerDraws]

@@ceilingfanenthusiast6041 like after the coup…?

[@MrRenegadeshinobi]

It's amazing how clearly Shakespeare's genius shines through when his work is properly acted and not just recited by bored high school students who could not care less.

[@daryllitwin1647]

You have a sound point and perhaps high school English teachers should play this clip before kids read Shakespeare so that they can understand that there is real meaning and emotion behind the written words.

[@MsJavaWolf]

I don't disagree with you but I think it's not always just boredom. It's hard to recite this properly, it's even hard to understand it properly the first time. These things need time and often in school you arrive at 8 am, have 10 minutes to prepare, you are put on the spot as an average kid, not a talented actor and your anxiety goes through the roof.

[@ZyTob]

“Brutus is an honorable man” Marc Antony, master of sarcasm.

[@VideosdeDomingo]

Irony, not sarcasm

[@gs7828]

VideosdeDomingo No, it’s sarcasm. There’s bitterness in there.

[@andyrihn1]

VideosdeDomingo sarcasm is a form of verbal irony

[@PresidentialWinner]

Sarcasm and irony are completely different. Like not even close

[@andyrihn1]

According to the Oxford dictionary sarcasm is: “the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.”

[@keatonsmith5669]

This sounds so much better than forcing a fifteen year old to read it out of a dusty textbook with literally no intonation.

[@GrayNeko]

Maybe a little bit of teaching to be done, permaybehaps? ^_~

[@cestlavie490]

Oh I'm reading it in 8th grade

[@tonyporter4132]

I have to read this in front of my class

[@Shay45]

I had to memorize this and recite it in class 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️ I memorize the very beginning portion and “But Brutus was an honorable man” That speech did NOT go so well

[@harlonpeppernuts]

My 12 year old did ok.

[@kevlonk]

I think it's purely intentional that, when Antony says "brutish beasts," the listener at first thinks he says "Brutus."

[@drewmandan]

I'm not 100% sure but I think the Latin word "brutus", from which we get the English word, may have been coined after Caesar's murder. In other words, the connection between the words is no coincidence.

[@nesossin]

@@drewmandan It is the cognomen or third name of the Junii family,the first to carry the name was Lucius Junius Brutus,an ancestor of the now more famous Brutus. His ancestor founded the republic after removing the tyrant king of Rome.

[@mrmcawesome9746]

@@nesossin I think he was referring to the opposite. That the origin for the word "brutish", brutus, was coined after Caesar's murder and made after Brutus the person, which is how a lot of words got their origins.

[@GardEngebretsen]

@@mrmcawesome9746 According to the etymology of the word on Wiktionary it spelled brûtish (flat over the u, but I don't know how to make that) in latin. It was apparently an Oscan loanword, which which had an indo-European root. The word has also changed meaning a bit. In latin it meant "stupid, dull". So it seems as if the word "brutish" does not stem from the Roman name "Brutus".

[@johkupohkuxd1697]

@Holden Mcgroine No the name Brutus, means brutish. Often Roman cognomen were discriptions of ancestors, so Brutus's ancestor was probably stupid/brutish.

[@adermaton3277]

Brutus: I am an honorable ma- Antony: hE iS An HoNOraBLE mAN

[@SoMeOne299gtr]

Probably the most underrated comment. I literally burst out laughing. Thanks!

[@DavZeugme]

And I second that motion.

[@saraha5613]

Lol!!!

[@RandomCreature42]

the 12 dislikes are conspirators

[@samuelsisti4849]

Liberatores ad victoriam!

[@RandomCreature42]

Samuel Sisti Caesar vivat!

[@Fulminatrixx]

Parricides !

[@michaelmcghee6594]

Sic semper tyrannis!

[@jinelledawkins]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@placebo5466]

Legionnaire: We're lost, Caesar. Caesar: We're not lost legionnaire, we're in Gaul.

[@ningenJMK]

I currahee what you did there.

[@DefThrone]

Quaker

[@himanshujain6158]

mennonite

[@divusgaiusjuliuscaesar4657]

Can anyone explain this joke I don’t get it?

[@himanshujain6158]

@@divusgaiusjuliuscaesar4657 watch band of brothers

[@Blisterdude123]

The thing I loved about these little 'solos' is that it really illustrates that with Shakespeare, all you really 'need' are the words, and the will. Stages, costumes, set dressing, it's all optional. If you can see the picture the words paint, and hear the music of the performance, you have everything you need.

[@JebHoge]

Riz Ahmed's is just phenomenal, in how modern the setting is.

[@WhisperingWinds0]

"What cause withholds you then, to *mourn* for him?" the change of inflexion of his speech gives me goosebumps

[@LloydWoodall]

This performance simultaneously enlightened me to Shakespeare's power and Damian Lewis's talent. I am in your debt, Mr. Lewis.

[@AnzuBrief]

Try watching Band of Brothers. He will always be Cap Winters to me.

[@thepunishe52]

Same here

[@891delta]

He's pretty good as Bobby Axelrod

[@placebo5466]

@@AnzuBrief Currahee!

[@thatperformer3879]

Lloyd W Watch the HBO miniseries ‘Band of Brothers’. It’s the acting role that made his career.

[@trevorbaker7168]

When Captain Winters helps me with my homework

[@Ringlord7]

i think you mean major.

[@shadmanfaisal3668]

@@Ringlord7 "You salute the man, not the rank"~ Major Winters

[@henrywcrook]

Watch billions, shows amazing with damion and giamoni

[@nougan_tanker]

@@shadmanfaisal3668 Actually, it's the reverse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4W1i4WIoaZnqdk

[@charlesdunn6694]

Major Winters, you’re not leading Easy Company anymore!

[@nickdriever5806]

I love the repeat of "And Brutus is an honorable man" and how it manages to be slightly different each time. The pure fire in his eyes, and slight snarl as he says it the last time gives me chills. Truly an amazing bit of acting!

[@ATJ253]

From Winters to Brody I absolutely adore Damian Lewis. Also, I can’t be the only one who finds themselves rewatching this way too often right?

[@FranklinVillalobosLPA]

I watch this clip every time I can.

[@reelgriff]

He rocked it in "Life." I was so disappointed when that was canceled.

[@Morganwrath]

He was also excellent as Soames Forsyte

[@pg9513]

Also in Wolf Hall as Henry VIII

[@GibsonFender]

Me too

[@elDreddnaught]

This is one of the finest pieces of acting I have ever seen.

[@HartmutJagerArt]

Damian Lewis acts and presents Marc Antony as a sensitive man, which he was not. I think (only in my opinion) Charlton Heston's acting - as an ambitious , powerful crowd manipulating Marc Anthony - is more true to the real historic Antony . -

[@HartmutJagerArt]

@Michael G Oh, - I need to go out more? - How about YOU checking out the REAL Marc Anthony and the REAL Julius Caesar ! You may discover that - In today's World they would both be condemned - as over-ambitious murdering War-Criminals !

[@xaph5575]

Hartmut Jager um I don’t think you understand that this is completely made up by Shakespeare, and that whilst you are correct that in real life Antony and Caesar were ambitious and cruel, this is fictional. Shakespeare wrote it this way for the theatre.

[@HartmutJagerArt]

​@@actingout4462 Perhaps, I can't tell - what with all those many replies and comments ! Be Well - and don't get sneezed on ! 🙂

[@christophercolasurdo919]

Leader of Anti-Bennism Well it’s not completely made up. Anthony did speak at Caesar’s funeral, and this was the general gist of it. Just the exact words he used are lost to history.

[@melodyreyes2071]

Tears! Damian has such a realism about him that this piece feels natural and not forced or dusty. His sarcasm is on point and the emotion that gradually builds is perfect. I end up teary eyed.

[@byronofrothdale]

It's indeed one of the most beautiful words written in English language. Marc Anthony made us all part of history in this very moment. He is talking to the Roman people but also to the public... and made us part of the scene.

[@karthikparameswaran7813]

Appreciable acting. It helped me understand the gist and context in the sense that Antony was giving speech to the public. It can surely be called a demographic speech as Antony indirectly stirred up hostility against the conspirators like Brutus, Cassius, Ligarius, Cinna and what not. As far as I know from the ancient Greek and Roman antiquities Marc Antony in this case proved to be a demagogue to the Roman Republic. This was all because of well association with Julius Caesar himself who was also viewed by the people of Rome as a despotic demagogue, a military tyrant, a benevolent Dictator and what not. But after Caesar's assassination Antony proved to be his only true friend by seeking revenge from the conspirators and avenging the assassination of his own friend. Antony in all ways supported Caesar's actions and was his die-hard loyalist.

[@brookspn]

I'm back again. I have drunkenly shown this to anyone who will put up with me. One of the absolute best.

[@stevecass]

Sorrow, rage, and disgust all wrapped up into a sublime performance by Damian Lewis.

[@Exiled_Rouge]

Honestly, this is the single most compelling and powerful reading I have ever seen of Shakespeare. The small slice of a performance here is astonishing.

[@karthikparameswaran7813]

But yes. The remarkable point is that the same video was of great help. I am indebted to it as it helped me perform well for my "Character Enactment Activity".

[@tombuzzguy]

The Ralph finnes one is amazing

[@22faka]

Marlon Brando was great also, check it if you want

[@MilesC1993]

I don't usually comment but this is unusually good. It has the power to engage the uninitiated.

[@christopherwatson4113]

It's exactly what happened with me. I didnt know anything really about shakespeare before this, a few months on and me and my best friend try to quote it to each other drunk like damien lewis and David Morriesssy

[@fegan1456]

It initiated me 👍

[@merrylderrickson3147]

100

[@vitiare]

What a great way to describe it.

[@sirtalkalotdoolittle]

"O! Judgment. Thou art Fled to Brutish beasts/And Men have lost their Reason." The motto of 2020.

[@mcgav17]

i like that line too!

[@karthikparameswaran7813]

Me too.

[@TheAlps36]

I'm going to memorise that quote

[@KatieJoGlow]

Damian just knockin it outta the park reminding us that Shakespeare is to be seen and heard to grasp its depth and meaning.

[@AihikSur]

That "bear with me". Goosebumps

[@chriso1776]

The venom in his voice on the final "brutus is an honorable man" is breathtaking.

[@upthebikez]

One of the best interpretations of this speech I've ever seen. Sublime.

[@davidczenner5784]

The thing I love about this speech is that it starts out as if Antony would betray Caesar's memory, but in the end it's quite clear that he's showing his loyalty to Caesar and his memory, with sarcasm toward Brutus and the senate, and by remembering Caesar's virtues.

[@LordKhuzdul]

I watched the whole series, and no offense to others, but I must say this is the best performance. Such passion.

[@jasperalbon54]

Such passion, much wow

[@ivanove888]

It is! Also saw the all series

[@jozepedro27]

Agreed, but the Shylock speech is also very good. Revisit it if you can x)

[@johndrippert3289]

Agreed.

[@user-vz4tj4gy3m]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@Nin13666]

fuck i gotta watch rome again now.

[@paulina3533]

god damnit those exact words went through my head and then I came down to the comments and saw this...

[@tomthx5804]

It's too bad small creatures that live today feel they have to swear as if they lived in some ghetto hovel or something.

[@LukeGeoDude]

What is this Rome you speak of?

[@NashvilleMaggie]

THIRTEEN!

[@wholelifeahead]

Tom thx r/iamverysmart

[@IudiciumInfernalum]

I think it's pretty cool Shakespeare wrote: "I am here at leave of Brutus..." as to imply Marc Anthony needed permission from Brutus to speak at Ceaser's funeral, which would of course have been scandalous to the average Roman, since Marc Anthony was a consul of Rome at the time.

[@karthikparameswaran7813]

Yes. In fact it was Caesar himself who chose to become a consul and Antony, his co-consul for the year 44 B.C. But, Antony speaking that very line "Here under the leave of Brutus and the rest." has its different context. Caesar was assassinated by a bunch of five to six conspirators who declared "Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!" William Shakespeare in his play writes that when Antony learnt of Caesar's fate he fled to his home. His servant told the conspirators that he himself would be coming soon. The conspirators as per Shakespeare then pooled their hands and swords and daggers 🗡 with Caesar's blood so as to indicate the legitimacy of their acts by slaughtering a tyrant. Antony then entered the Senate house only to see and mourn at Caesar's corpse. He then asked the conspirators their intention of murdering Caesar. They said that the cause of Caesar's death would be rendered after Brutus gave the speech to the public. When Antony also requested to speak in the pulpit, Brutus granted that permission only to speak after him. Also he put another condition that he would not criticise Brutus during the speech which he was going to deliver.

[@SethWolf900]

As someone who's lost a friend, this speech brings me to tears. I can only hope when I die my friends will protect my name even beyond the grave.

[@samwise526]

As soon as he says "He was my friend", I'm gone.

[@hotsistersue]

This is hands down the best recitation of this piece I've ever heard.

[@foolslayer9416]

I gain brain cells from listening to this speech.

[@kevinpascual]

"pfft, honorable." - exclaimed a centurion in the crowd

[@damianjblack]

What was Titus Pullo doing in the crowd?

[@udoyonb274]

ImperiusDamian not chopping of cicero that’s what

[@Mitaka.Kotsuka]

@@damianjblack I declare Brutus and cassius murderers and enemys of the state

[@jesseberg3271]

I'm sorry, but with Caeser dead, there wasn't a soldier in Rome who would talk over Antony. That Centurion might have had the thought, but when the Hero of Alesia spoke, he would listen.

[@JacobMcandles]

Now where can we watch Damien Lewis perform the entire play? That is cause for a Gofundme if there ever was one...

[@theemperorschosen7607]

Him playing every role. The ultimate cosmetic job.

[@thatperformer3879]

Catherine Was this before Band of Brothers?

[@symphoniesofthesea]

Yes absolutely

[@ClassicalMusic2002]

@@thatperformer3879 This was recorded back in 2016, The Guardian gathered a bunch of actors and actresses to perform some of Shakespeare's greatest monologues for the 400th anniversary of his death. Many years after Band of Brothers.

[@Hekabeswelt]

I don't know if I will ever find this not stunnig. I don't even like "Julius Caesar" that much or at least others of Shakespeares plays more but this... This is wonderful. Just a couple of minutes and a character, a whole story comes to life.

[@karthikparameswaran7813]

You may not like "Julius Caesar" play by William Shakespeare but yes there are antiquities which support the fact that Caesar really existed. Even that calendar which is almost identical to the Western Calendar also exists in his name-the Julian Calendar. He was actually most popular with the public than any other ancient Roman senators of that age.

[@Hekabeswelt]

​@@karthikparameswaran7813 Not sure what you're trying to achieve with that comment since I never questioned that the historical person Caesar existed, but okay? Btw, I'm also well-aware that Caesar was popular with many people although he also was a (repeated) sign of crisis of the Roman Republic and pretty unpopular with parts of the senate bc of that. (And I also was well-aware of these things, same as the existence of the Julian Calender, when I wrote my initial comment *five years ago*, just sayin'.)

[@karthikparameswaran7813]

@@Hekabeswelt Understood. But actually Caesar was a coup de' grace to the Roman Republic. It was because the soldiers were out of the control of the Roman Republican law but instead were controlled by their generals. That's why that Social War in 85 B.C. exposed some flaws in the Republican system. Caesar also knew it fully but in some ways proved to be a demagogue. When Caesar was to pass the ambitious "Land Reform Bill" in 59 B.C. he painstakingly read the bill sentence by sentence and asked that whether or not anybody had doubts. Cato, a prominent politician rose up only to filibuster Caesar's Bill. When Caesar ordered his arrest the other senators began to call him a "Tyrant". But Pompey and Crassus, a billionaire in Rome supported Caesar's Bill paving way to bypass the Senate. After having invited his co-consul Bibulus for an important voting decision Caesar, in the public assembly was about to read the bill when he saw the majority of the people dragging down his co-consul, thrashing him and throwing a bucket 🪣 of excrement on Bibulus. Caesar learnt that Bibulus vetoed his bill and that he couldn't hear it.

[@TheMan-jw5ro]

I have played this on a loop for like three hours now. His final exhale gets me every time.

[@NevTheDeranged]

I've watched this like 20 times now and it never gets any less powerful.

[@andrewjohnson6716]

The beauty of that delivery! I was literally in tears watching this. I've never seen it done with so many layers, such depth of emotion. He portrayed the desperation, the mourning, ironic polity, even a touch of scorn. All while giving an audience that sees no more of the play than this, the feeling of menace and precarious position that the character is speaking under.

[@AlexanDrMoskalenko]

I'd like to see him as Macbeth

[@JaguarEscarlata]

AlexanDr Moskalenko My thoughts exactly. That would be awesome.

[@Bayartsengel]

You mean the Scottish play? 😂

[@HarrDarr]

@@Bayartsengel He means the character, Macbeth whom the play is named after.

[@Baximus23]

@@Bayartsengel we theatre nerds do not say that name that must not be spoken

[@colinmerritt7645]

You know I was prepped to hate Brutus, but Mark Antony's vouching for his honor reassures me.

[@muscularChristian316]

I cannot fathom how 378 didn't like this... But, they are all honourable men...

[@Corellian]

A lot of people compare Lewis with Brando and Heston without considering that the context of this performance and the others is clearly different (Lewis is more intimate and gives the impression of a quiet funeral or a modern press release), and that it's part of the actor's job to find a new angle and a uniqueness to the text and not carbon-copy what others have done. Lewis rhythm here is outstanding, from the emotional and sarcastic crescendo of every "...Brutus is an honorable man", to the vulnerable pausing from "...bear with me.." and onwards. Really powerful stuff.

[@TiagoJRToledo]

Breathtaking.

[@bbbbBeaver]

You're breathtaking!

[@jamesj9998]

People so often say that it is hard to understand Shakespeare. When it is acted so well as this, it is hard to not understand it. I wish all things were so easy to understand.

[@leothelion2593]

This is one of the most amazing monologues I’ve ever seen

[@maxhalsted5381]

Damien Lewis at his best

[@JerryWatkinsMrRobot]

Master class.

[@tomthx5804]

It was damn near perfect.But a lot of it came from the close in shot. In a theater, you would have seen none of the nuance.

[@JC_Zondi]

My lord. Breath taken away!

[@brcarter1111]

Captain Winters was very articulate, no wonder his men thought so highly of him

[@NickJohnCoop]

This speech alone proves the genius of Shakespeare

[@smj_creates]

I would like to see the whole monologue done by Damian. THIS IS JUST WHAT ACTING IS! EVERYTHING THEY TEACH US! SO PERFECT! THANK YOU DAMIAN LEWIS!

[@2ndRatePetronius]

Magnificent. Such a compelling interpretation.

[@deancain1841]

They need to make a TV series of movie with Damian as Anthony

[@izzo1984]

Every 3-4 months i re-watch this. Every 3-4 months i straight up weep

[@casparnguyen4939]

Damien Lewis' performances hits all of the notes needed for this. The emotions, the facial expression, the tones. Great job.

[@Springsong5]

He hits the notes and rhythms here so perfectly, the piece is transformed from prose into music; haunting, lilting, gorgeous, melty music.

[@JohnSmith-lk8cy]

The best way to deliver this is without the theatricals. Just like this. A perfect speech!

[@AYVYN]

Brando has the Roman Assertiveness, Heston has the Political Persuasion, and Damian Lewis nails the Emotion and Sarcasm. There’s so much varying tone, inflection, and emotion in this speech. Very hard to get it perfect, but it’s great practice.

[@paulinekivach2216]

I agree with the some of the comments listed below, absolutely brilliant. I knew before that this speech is Anthony's way of showing his anger to those that murdered Cesar, but THIS was the first time I GOT IT, SAW IT, FELT IT. Bravo, BRILLIANT

[@wavykelp1304]

This is amazing. I think Shakespeare himself would want it to be recited in this way.

[@historiadaartecomotiovirso4361]

Whenever I lose someone, I come back to this, it helps me so much. Thank you, Damian

[@dreadkalibur1613]

He has such a relaxing voice and his delivery of Antony's words was masterful.

[@jobsjobbed5125]

Now.. now I get it. Thank you.

[@lewisreid876]

That last bit hits harder ever since his wife died

[@jimharper2180]

I don't know much about theatre, acting, or Shakespeare, but I'm certain that this is perhaps the finest piece of performance by an actor I personally have ever witnessed.

[@jeremiahhankins3372]

I could watch him all day. This is perfection.

[@Peanutjoepap24]

I had to memorize this in 10th grade, and I barely understood a word. This is the first time in years I’ve heard the speech in its entirety, and wow. Not only is this a fantastic piece of writing, but Damian plays it flawlessly.

[@coll912]

"Cry 'Havoc!,' and let slip the dogs of war." - Major Winters, 44 B.C.

[@richardconnold8060]

"Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war!" General Chang, Stardate 9521.6

[@Arathor82]

2:00 I needed a line to end my eulogy for my father.......I.....I think I have found it. Thank you.

[@jaylonhale5704]

If only I had understood the story of Caesar as I do back in school I woulda recited this with so much emotion

[@MilanSelby]

Absolute genius. Moving between the fury and pain. The 'bear with me' is absolutely heart breaking.

[@karthikparameswaran7813]

Even that when he is trying to cry after that last line. It almost make me cry.

[@IPGuitars]

This is literally one video that I keep on coming back to. The performance lingers in mind after watching it and each time I watch it I am captivated and cannot be but in awe of the expression in the voice and eyes alone. This is not just reading words off a paper, this is feeling those words and breathing life into them. -T

[@Blahblahyah]

Bruh. Give this man every award he’s nominated for. Powerful.

[@FormerGovernmentHuman]

Beautiful rendition. I would love to see Damian do more of these.

[@maxhalsted5381]

As do i

[@caronstout354]

The band of brothers speach from Henry V...

[@FormerGovernmentHuman]

@@caronstout354 Speech* 3.5 seconds of Damian how alluring.

[@C0smic_Dream]

This is acting at it's finest right. I've watched this so many times and it's just so powerful..

[@colterwebb6382]

This maybe my favorite reciting for this piece ever. He gives us a softer, friendlier antony than most. The murderous rage and violence of character only shining out when he says, "brutus is an honorable man. then as if two contradictory emotional points weren't enough to tell a story, he add yet another layer with genuine emotion and sorrow for the loss of Caesar. Or at least that's how it played to me. Really quite a genius performance

[@frankyg821]

the best rendition of this monologue I've ever heard

[@prosperudeagha8404]

Even Shakespeare shivers in his grave. He would be so proud!

[@elbenio]

Forget Charlton Heston or Marlon Brando- I’ll take Damian Lewis’ Mark Antony any day- powerful acting

[@redroseproductions4688]

The inward fury he shows towards the end only to swiftly withdraw it at the end is just masterfully done

[@otterpoet]

I've heard this soliloquy many times, but that performance was extraordinary and so... natural. Growing increasingly intense without overshadowing the words. Brilliant.

[@teddybozzio73]

Spectacular, touching. Credible.

[@SamuelMantode]

Coming from watching Billions, this is amazing!!

[@ZechsMerquise195]

The sass in this speech is so strong.

[@HDB1974]

When you watch this and listen to this and then watch the Brando and Charlton Heston versions, only then do you get a sense of what a great actor Damian Lewis is.

[@ShashikantSharma_660]

This shows that how much mark Antony did Emotionally while giving the speech in the very past

[@gre8]

This video is the one I'll forever compare every rendition of the "lend me your ears speech" to. I know "perfect" is too often and haphazardly thrown around, but there is simply no other word that could describe this interpretation.

[@jakewalto7843]

for real! for so many years i didn’t really appreciate Shakespeare; but if you combine his scripts with insanely talented performances like this, it’s OBVIOUS he was a one in a billion type of genius. (i also agree this rendition is as perfect as could be) (big props Damian Lewis)

[@SpidermanandJeny]

Have you seen Marlon Brando's rendition in the movie? It's a masterpiece.

[@TonyTylerDraws]

Damien Lewis is *so* underrated.

[@Ribberflavenous]

This is an EXCELLENT performance. I was not aware Damien had that in him, but now I want to see more. Most Shakespeare is spoken like a foreign language and it is rare that it is delivered with the proper cadence and intonation to make it intelligible to those of us who cannot understand it otherwise. Being poetry, the expression makes or breaks the meaning. Kudos!!!

[@archimmes]

A lot of actors when performing this act tend to “rage” during the line “was this ambition?”. This context and tone, makes it a quizzical, almost sarcastic question that just works much better. Just brilliant!

[@kropchik]

Absolutely brilliant, building his anger while trying to keep a wise calm. Genius

[@ItsAidanJames]

That second "Brutus is an honorable man..." Perfect

[@smol_baguett5163]

This has been one of my favorite monologues from ol’ Billy since I first read it. The condescending, passive-aggressive tone to the over-exaggerated mourning. Damian absolutely kills it in this. Bravo

[@Herknungr]

Just come across this, wow more acting in this than modern things.

[@maxhalsted5381]

I agree

[@alexayers9463]

I keep coming back to this performance. I know I'm not alone. 😊. I'll also say that this very performance, of all the Shakespeare I've ever seen performed, changed how I read Shakespeare---taught me how read it properly. Without getting too specific, I think what stops a lot of ppl from understanding and enjoying Shakespeare is the inability to get over the structure. Damian breaks right through that.

[@xandercorp6175]

To the channel owners, Guardian Culture: You need a minimum of three _more_ seconds of silence (than you currently have) after his last word is spoken and before playing the snippet of another actor delivering another great monologue.

[@greatmomentsofopera7170]

Agreed!

[@ThePosichris]

I keep coming back to this clip again, again and again.

[@maxhalsted5381]

Myself included

[@dneuf6146]

What kind of gem, have I stumbled upon here. Bravo!