8 reviews
Very interesting story in easy to understand format
Useful video for college class
I've shown this first of the Theban trilogy, to a college class taking a basic literature course, for over 15 years now. No one, of course, recognizes Claire Bloom, Edward Hardwicke (who also did a turn as Dr. Watson opposite Jeremy Brett's Holmes), or even Sir John Gielgud, which is a shame, but it does tend to keep students from being distracted by more contemporary 'name' actors. (I do tell my students that they might recognize Michael Pennington in a brief appearance on the Death Star in one of the "Star Wars" films.) Yes, the more contemporary costuming can be odd, even irritating, but part of my job as teacher is to indicate why such production changes can add to a play's impact. I like Don Taylor's translation/adaptation here better than any other version I've seen, or read; it tends to make the overall story clearer to the average college-age viewer. Gielgud's turn as the blind Tiresias is spot-on, and even though Pennington, and John Shrapnel as the brother-in-law, sometimes shout a little too often at each other, the video holds up well, even after repeated viewings. I could only wish for a DVD version, at a reasonable price.
- englishprof-842-179991
- Sep 10, 2010
- Permalink
Stagey Greek tragedy
Best version of Oedipus Rex i've seen on a screen.
Michael Pennington quite simply DOMINATES this version of Oedipus Rex. While some might not like the update of Thebes to what appears to be Industrial Revolution England, I believe it works. Various characters look "Greek" enough for me, and the removal of the traditional masks that were found in Greek plays works out.
Why? Well Pennington fits the part of the play's namesake. He obviously did well researching or getting into the 'mind' of Oedipus. Watching him speak, his expressions is much better than somehow finding 'hubris' from a mask that is frozen into place. The rest of the cast compliments well, but above all is Pennington. If you are going to show a version of Oedipus to a literature class, this is the version. Its easy to understand and updated for a culture that would find little interest in watching frozen masks walk around.
I wish this play was released widely on DVD and not only available at insane high prices on an educational website.
Why? Well Pennington fits the part of the play's namesake. He obviously did well researching or getting into the 'mind' of Oedipus. Watching him speak, his expressions is much better than somehow finding 'hubris' from a mask that is frozen into place. The rest of the cast compliments well, but above all is Pennington. If you are going to show a version of Oedipus to a literature class, this is the version. Its easy to understand and updated for a culture that would find little interest in watching frozen masks walk around.
I wish this play was released widely on DVD and not only available at insane high prices on an educational website.
Very Good Adaptation of OEDIPUS REX.
Not bad
All things considered this film is really not all that terrible. The cinematography was decent, especially since it is being filmed from a stage. Oedipus and Creon both deliver good performances although their costumes are rather contemporary. Those who have read the play will find this satisfies their need to see it acted out.
- worldchanger38
- Feb 12, 2004
- Permalink
What a piece of trash.
why was this shot on video? if it were shot on 35mm i would give it more respect. what was the point of oedipus wearing 19th century clothing? it did not help the film. the only thing that could've saved the film, is if the boy who was rolling around on that cart started singing "i have no legs".
An interesting experience
I watched this in class one time and it gave me a literal seizure.
- patrickfranciscollins
- Aug 22, 2021
- Permalink