Phaedra [Blu-ray]

Director: Jules Dassin Jules Dassin

Overview

Inspired by Euripedes' tragedy Hippolytus and set in modern times, this allegorical tale centers on the love triangle between a fabulously wealthy Greek shipping magnate, his lonely second wife, and his first-born son. The affair between the wife and her stepson begins soon after she arrives in London to bring him back to Greece so her husband can teach him about shipping and he can marry another tycoon's daughter to cement a new alliance. Though the son quickly falls in love with his beautiful stepmother, he cannot overcome his crushing guilt at having betrayed his father. When the wife learns of her husband's planned betrothal of his son, she becomes enraged and confesses her affair. Great tragedy follows as her husband beats his son senseless while verbally battering the wife.

Product Details

Release Date:	03/21/2017
UPC:	0887090133111
Original Release:	1962
Rating:	NR
Source:	Olive
Region Code:	A
Presentation:	[B&W]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Mono]
Language:	English
Time:	1:56:00
Sales rank:	33,970

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Melina Mercouri	Actor
Anthony Perkins	Actor
Raf Vallone	Actor
Elizabeth Ercy	Actor
Olympia Papadouka	Anna
George Saris	Ariadne
Andreas Philippides	Andreas
Giorgos Karoussos	The Old Man
Alexis Pezas	Dimitri
Kostas Baladimas	Dimo
Nikos Tzoyias	Felere
Depy Martini	Heleni
Stelios Vocovits	Stravos
Jules Dassin	Christo
Marc Bohan	Himself
Lillia Ralli	Herself

Technical Credits

Jules Dassin

Margarita Liberaki

Jules Dassin	Director,Screenwriter,Producer
Margarita Liberaki	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

The classic Greek tragedy Hippolytus may seem an odd choice for the likes of Melina Mercouri and Anthony Perkins, but this is not your grandfather's version of the story. Jules Dassin has updated the tale to modern times, finding apt counterparts for ancient royalty in the world of wealthy shipping tycoons, and giving the proceedings a contemporary feel that doesn't negate the tragic aspects of the story. In these circumstances, Mercouri and Perkins are ideally cast and indeed give wonderful performances. Mercouri exudes sensuality, of course, but she's much more sophisticated and tempestuous than one might expect; she brings a spontaneous complexity to the role that is refreshing. Perkins is appropriately tortured; his neurotic quality is expected, of course, but there's an intensity to it here that is beautiful, and his mad scene is exceptional. Equally important, there's a palpable chemistry between them, and the fireside seduction scene is one of the most erotic sequences ever caught on film. (This moment is greatly aided, as if the whole movie, by the evocative Mikis Theodorakis score.) Unfortunately, Dassin doesn't quite know when to pull back, and he too often directs with a heavy hand, weighing the film down at inappropriate moments. Despite this flaw, Phaedra is a powerful, unforgettable film.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler