Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar (1999)
Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar (French: Astérix et Obélix contre César) is a Franco-Italian-German film directed by Claude Zidi, released in 1999. The movie follows the kidnapping of Getafix by the Romans in their attempt to besiege the indomitable Gaulish village. Asterix and Obelix set off on a daring rescue mission to save their friend.
Claude Zidi, known for his work on numerous popular comedies, helms the first live-action adaptation of the Asterix comics created by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny. The star-studded cast includes Christian Clavier as Asterix, Gérard Depardieu as Obelix, and Michel Galabru as Chief Vitalstatistix.
The story begins with Julius Caesar’s frustration over an ongoing Gaulish rebellion. Unbeknownst to him, the deceitful Roman officer Detritus has hidden the existence of a small, defiant village. Caesar arrives to personally address the situation after Prolix, a fake soothsayer, incites the villagers to seize a cart carrying Caesar’s tax revenue. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film topped the French box office in 1999, drawing nearly 9 million viewers and becoming the most-watched film in France that year. It also set a record for the widest release in France, opening on 780 screens and selling 2.2 million tickets in its first five days.
Synopsis
Julius Caesar, having conquered most of Gaul, remains unaware of a small, defiant village that continues to resist Roman rule. The ambitious governor Detritus conceals the village’s existence, but the centurion Caius Bonus (Crismus Bonus) reveals the secret of the villagers’ strength: a magical potion brewed by the druid Getafix that grants superhuman abilities.
When the Romans capture Getafix, Asterix and Obelix embark on a perilous mission to rescue him. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including treachery, battles, and misunderstandings. The story climaxes with a grand confrontation as the Gauls, aided by their magical potion, face off against Caesar’s forces in a spectacular battle.
Behind the Scenes
The Village Set
Initially, the production team considered filming the village scenes in sunny locations like Spain or Italy. However, director Claude Zidi opted for a controlled studio environment to avoid weather-related disruptions. The set was constructed at the Arpajon studios in La Ferté-Alais, Essonne, on a 4,000-square-meter platform. Due to space constraints, the village houses were closely packed together, differing from the original comic book depiction.
Jean Rabasse designed the vibrant village, complete with Cacofonix’s iconic tree as its centerpiece. The tree was sculpted from polystyrene and supported by a metal frame, with latex bark and hand-sewn leaves.
Circus Scenes
The dramatic Roman circus scenes were filmed at Bavaria Studios in Munich. Real spiders, alligators, and other creatures were used, with additional effects added in post-production. A humorous yet tense moment occurred when a stuntman mistakenly jumped onto a live alligator instead of a prop, escaping unharmed.
Outdoor Locations
Three major scenes—the Roman camp, the druid gathering, and Caesar’s speech on the Armorican coast—were filmed outdoors. The Roman camp scenes took place in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, while the druid gathering drew inspiration from the “Asterix and the Goths” comic.
Post-Production and Language Challenges
German actors Marianne Sägebrecht and Gottfried John required voice dubbing for their French-speaking roles. Conversely, Italian actors seamlessly blended into the production, creating a multicultural cinematic experience.
Differences from the Books
The film introduces several notable deviations from the original Asterix comic books. Early in the movie, it is revealed that the magic potion granting the Gauls their superhuman strength only lasts for ten minutes. This differs significantly from the comics, where no such time limit is suggested. For instance, in Asterix the Gaul, a disguised legionary holds a rock for several hours, while in Asterix and the Great Divide, the adviser Codfix retains his superhuman strength well into the following day after consuming the potion at night.
Detritus, a significant character in the movie, is adapted from the comics but with notable differences. In the book Asterix and the Roman Agent, Detritus is an agent of Caesar skilled in manipulation. However, the film’s version of Detritus bears a closer resemblance to Crismus Bonus from Asterix the Gaul or Felonius Caucus from Asterix and the Big Fight.
Prolix, the fraudulent fortune-teller, originates from Asterix and the Soothsayer. As in the book, Asterix alone recognizes Prolix’s falsehoods. However, the film diverges by allowing Prolix to escape with stolen gold, whereas in the book, he is exposed as a fraud when the Gauls catch him off-guard, disproving his supposed ability to see the future. The subplot involving stolen gold echoes Asterix and the Cauldron, where Asterix is tasked with guarding a cauldron filled with money. In the movie, the theft occurs after Asterix is drugged and tricked into believing Obelix is Caesar, creating a distraction for Prolix to make his escape.
The film also introduces elements not found in the books. Getafix’s great-grandfather makes an appearance, a character absent from the original stories. Additionally, the romance between Obelix and Panacea takes on a more dramatic tone, contrasting with the largely comedic treatment in the comics. Another difference lies in the characterization of Geriatrix’s wife, who is portrayed in the film as deeply worried about her husband’s safety. This depiction contrasts with her domineering yet humorous role in the books.
Movie Production Details
This movie was directed by Claude Zidi and written by Gérard Lauzier. The film was produced by Vittorio Cecchi Gori and Claude Berri, with cinematography by Tony Pierce-Roberts. Hervé de Luze and Nicole Saunier handled the editing, while Jean-Jacques Goldman and Roland Romanelli composed the music.
The cast features Christian Clavier as Asterix, Gérard Depardieu as Obelix, Roberto Benigni, Claude Piéplu, and Gottfried John in key roles. The movie is a collaborative production between several companies, including Katharina, Renn Productions, TF1 Films Production, Bavaria Film, Bavaria Entertainment, and Melampo Cinematografica.
Released on February 3, 1999, in Belgium and France, the film has a runtime of 109 minutes. It was distributed by AMLF and primarily produced in France, Italy, and Germany. The movie is available in French and German, reflecting its international appeal and production roots.
Legacy
Asterix & Obelix vs. Caesar remains a notable chapter in the Asterix legacy, blending humor, action, and the timeless charm of its source material into a grand cinematic spectacle.