Oedipus Rex
The story of Oedipus' gradual discovery of his primal crime, killing his father and marrying his mother, filmed by the famed British theatrical director Sir Tyrone Guthrie. This elegant version of Sophocles' play adds a brilliant stroke: the actors wear masks just as the Greeks did in the playwright's day.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this adaptation of Sophocles's ancient Greek tragedy, Oedipus, the king of Thebes, investigates the murder of the previous king, Laius, in an attempt to end a devastating plague upon the city. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Oedipus uncovers a horrifying truth about his own parentage and his unwitting involvement in the crime. He discovers that he himself is the prophesied killer and that his marriage to Jocasta, the queen, is incestuous.
Critical Reception
While the film adaptation of Oedipus Rex aimed to bring the powerful Greek tragedy to a modern audience, its reception was mixed. Critics often praised the ambition of the production and the intensity of Orson Welles's performance, but many found the translation of the stage play to the screen to be somewhat static and theatrical. Audience reception reflected similar views, with some appreciating the dramatic weight of the story and others finding it too archaic or bleak.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Orson Welles's commanding performance as Oedipus.
- Cited for its ambitious attempt to stage the classic Greek tragedy.
- Criticized by some for its theatricality and lack of cinematic dynamism.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1957 film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Orson Welles, in addition to playing Oedipus, also served as the film's producer and uncredited screenwriter, significantly shaping the adaptation.
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