Ancient Greek Literary Figure is Beautifully Portrayed in Modern Cinema

                                                               By Nikolas M.

                                                                     (2014)

       Legendary works are rarely given the justice they deserve by modern cinema, but Sophocles’ timeless play Antigone was wonderfully reproduced in the 1961 Greek film version directed by George Tzavellas. Irene Pappas, Greece’s famous stage and film actress stars as the titular character, and from the opening scene one can tell that she is the engine that runs the entire film. In the original play, Antigone is a wonderfully written character that could have easily been lifted straight from the page and placed onto the screen. But Pappas brings the character of Antigone to a new level: she is strong and confident, and beautifully tragic.

        Pappas’ first appearance in the film shows her as an indignant sister, furious that King Creon would not bury her brother. She asks her sister Ismene for help but Ismene refuses, stating that she would not dare to defy the king. Antigone’s plea for help quickly becomes a roar of fury as she tells her sister that even if she begged her to help she would not let her. From start to finish, Pappas holds the attention of the audience. Also exceptional is Manos Katrakis who plays the film’s antagonist, King Creon. In his opening scene, he addresses the people of Thebes, and using his natural charisma, commands the attention of both the crowd and the film audience.

      Though the climax of the film comes closer to the end, the most electrifying clash of personalities happens much earlier, when King Creon confronts Antigone about her burying her brother whom he declared a traitor. Speaking in a commanding voice, Creon wins the support of Theban elders as Antigone’s defiance becomes stronger. In the exchange between Creon and Antigone we see the absolute best of Pappas and Katrakis as performers. The dialogue evolves from defiant, to witty, to emotional, and shows Antigone as the immovable object to Creon’s unstoppable force.

      Along with the actors’ masterful performances, the film itself is visually stunning. Made in an era where paint and backdrops were used instead of CGI and green screen, the set transports you straight to ancient Greece.  Antigone as a play is one of the cornerstones of Greek theatre and should be remembered as such for all time. The film, however, should be remembered as a masterpiece of Greek cinema.