Bond girl Gemma Arterton recreates Elizabeth Taylor scene for photo shoot

Gemma Arterton followed in the footsteps of a long list of Bond girls when she was plucked to star in Quantum Of Solace.

Her name was suddenly being mentioned in the same breath as silver screen legends Ursula Andress, Jane Seymour, Halle Berry and Diana Rigg.

But now she has set her sights even higher... by emulating Elizabeth Taylor in one of her most memorable scenes.

The 23-year-old actress has recreated a moment from Dame Liz's 1958 classic Cat On A Hot Tin Roof to promote the upcoming Virgin Media Shorts competition.

Dressed in white negligee and a curly black wig, Gemma reclined on a gold brass bed to recreate an early scene in the movie, in which Elizabeth's character Maggie 'The Cat' attempts to entice her hard-drinking husband Brick (Paul Newman) to bed.

The film, adapted from a Tennessee Williams play, starred Taylor and Newman as a couple experiencing the breakdown of their marriage after the suicide of Brick's best friend Skipper.

'I'm not living with you, we just occupy the same cage': Elizabeth and her late co-star Paul Newman in the movie

While Maggie is desperately trying to resurrect their sex life, Brick is more interested in drinking to get over his hatred of the 'mendacity' of the world.

The film was nominated for six Oscars, but failed to win any.

Gemma posed as Elizabeth to launch the Virgin Media Shorts competition, which asks budding filmmakers to submit a short film.

The Kent-born actress joins Kevin Spacey, actor/director Noel Clarke, director Daniel Barber and film critic Jason Solomons on the judging panel.

Gemma enthused: 'I’m so excited that I got to recreate the iconic shot that made Elizabeth Taylor a household name. She is a complete goddess and my favourite actress in the whole world.

'I had such a ball on set and I hope that by taking people back to the Golden Age of cinema, we’re giving all budding film-makers food for thought for Virgin Media Shorts.'

Oscar-winning actor Spacey added: 'With the success of last year’s competition and the high calibre of entries, I’m delighted to be a part of the Virgin Media Shorts judging panel for the second year running.

'As it is increasingly difficult to get a break in the film industry, we're hoping to uncover and champion the next big thing in British film through this worthwhile competition.'

The competition closes on June 22 with the winner being announced on September 22.

To find out more, visit the Virgin Media Shorts website: http://www.virginmediashorts.co.uk

Click here for pictures (at dailymail.co.uk).

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