Patreon: Edipo re (1967) di Pier Paolo Pasolini - Minirece per Emanuele Mandelli, Nicola Fladino

Summary

This video review discusses 'Oedipus Rex,' a 1967 film by Pier Paolo Pasolini, requested by Patreon supporters. The movie, Pasolini's first in color, is an autobiographical take on the Oedipus myth. It stars Franco Citti as Oedipus, who discovers a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Pasolini's direction is praised for its genius, with notable cinematography by Giuseppe Ruzzolini and performances by Silvana Mangano and Carmelo Bene. The film blends visual poetry and cruelty, showcasing Pasolini's unique storytelling and artistic vision.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The film 'Edipo re' is a 1967 color film directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, which is highly autobiographical and reflects his Oedipus complex.
• 🌟 Franco Citti stars as the young Oedipus, who initially believes he is the son of King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth, only to later discover he is adopted and learns of a terrible prophecy.
• 🚶 Oedipus embarks on a journey to escape the prophecy, which leads to him becoming the King of Thebes and inadvertently fulfilling the prophecy.
• 🎨 Pasolini's adaptation of Sophocles' 'Oedipus Rex' is visually striking, with scenes reconstructed in Morocco and Greece, showcasing his unique storytelling and visual prowess.
• 📽 The film begins in the 1920s with the birth of a child and ends in the 1960s, reflecting Pasolini's life and his journey to becoming a blind man.
• 👀 The cinematography by Giuseppe Ruzzolini is emotionally evocative, with excellent editing by Nino Baragli, contributing to the film's powerful visual narrative.
• 🌈 Pasolini's direction is described as colorful and impactful, with a strong visual style that enhances the film's emotional depth.
• 🏆 The cast includes exceptional performances by Silvana Mangano as Jocasta, Franco Citti as Oedipus, and Carmelo Bene as Creon, among others.
• 🏛 The film is considered a classic and one of Pasolini's masterpieces, showcasing his maturity in aesthetics and narrative reconstruction.
• 🔮 Pasolini's use of color in 'Edipo re' marked a shift in his cinematic vision, offering a new perspective that was both magnetic and anti-bourgeois.
• 🎥 The film is a testament to Pasolini's ability to create personal and impactful cinema, even with simple techniques, making it a must-watch for its poetic and brutal portrayal of the human spirit.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the film 'Oedipus Rex' directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini?

The main theme of the film is the tragic story of Oedipus, who discovers he has killed his father and married his mother, fulfilling a terrible prophecy.

How does Pasolini's 'Oedipus Rex' relate to the original myth by Sophocles?

Pasolini's 'Oedipus Rex' is a re-interpretation of Sophocles' myth, updating and setting the story in a different context while maintaining its tragic essence.

Who is the protagonist of 'Oedipus Rex' in the film?

The protagonist is Oedipus, played by Franco Citti, who believes he is the son of Polybus and his wife, the queen of Corinth, but later discovers he was adopted and is destined to fulfill a tragic prophecy.

What is the significance of the film being the first color film directed by Pasolini?

The use of color in 'Oedipus Rex' marks a new visual approach for Pasolini, adding a different dimension to his storytelling and enhancing the aesthetic of the film.

How does Pasolini's film connect to his own life and experiences?

The film is considered autobiographical to some extent, as Pasolini explores his own Oedipus complex and personal journey through the lens of the Greek myth.

What is the setting of 'Oedipus Rex' in terms of time and location?

The film starts in the 1920s with the birth of the child and ends in the 1960s. It is visually reconstructed in Morocco and Greece, reflecting the ancient setting of the original myth.

Who are some of the notable actors in the film?

Notable actors include Silvana Mangano as Jocasta, Franco Citti as Oedipus, Alida Valli as Merope, and Carmelo Bene as Creon.

What is the significance of the film's ending where Oedipus becomes blind?

The ending signifies the tragic fulfillment of the prophecy and Oedipus' realization of his actions, leading to his self-inflicted blindness as a form of punishment and enlightenment.

How does the film's cinematography by Giuseppe Ruzzolini contribute to the storytelling?

Giuseppe Ruzzolini's cinematography enhances the emotional depth and visual power of the film, with well-timed movements and color usage that complement Pasolini's direction.

What are some of the film's technical achievements mentioned in the script?

The film features excellent scriptwriting, perfect casting, outstanding cinematography by Giuseppe Ruzzolini, and effective editing by Nino Baragli, all contributing to its high artistic value.

How does the reviewer perceive Pasolini's work in 'Oedipus Rex'?

The reviewer admires Pasolini's work, considering him one of the best Italian directors and poets of the last 150 years, for his ability to create personal and impactful cinema that resonates with audiences.