krocheav How painfully true was John Simon's critical summary for 'Phaedra'; "Unfortunately Unforgettable". When I experienced this work as an impressionable youth going through the turmoils of young love and relationships it left me shattered. I knew I was in for a tour-de-force the instant that electrifying scream rang out before the main title! (sure would like to know who the creative genius was that came up with that stunning idea...don't believe I'd ever seen or heard that done before!) Here was my dream, a profound, life changing love - but with one huge problem it was doomed. The power of this film lies in the political connections that gave it birth. Firstly; director (Dassin) who had been hunted out of the homeland of his birth, never to return. Then his romantic involvement with a politically passionate Greek woman (Mercouri), born into a heavily political family in Athens and who would herself eventually be forced out of Greece. Add to this the politically persecuted Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis who, as with Dassin, was forced to flee his native country. This crew alone represented a powerful force of creative people with something to say! It's little wonder the first meeting between Phaedra and her stepson takes place in the British Historical Museum, in front of fragments of the Elgin Marbles, the Marbles that Mercouri would later devote so much time fighting for their return to Greece (a Greece that was also foolish enough to let many valuable artefacts go for monetary gain) Looking back at this great movie, my main regret is that almost none of those that make up the characters of Phaedra are particularly likable. We have overly rich and powerful people that live only for becoming richer. They are bored with themselves and are too often motivated towards immoral 'games' to alleviate boredom at the emotional expense of others.Deviating from our basic understanding of acceptable loving human relationships, all too often results in disaster, and here, the disaster builds like a tidal wave - one situation cascades from another like an avalanche. Apart from a basis in classic Greek literature (the pen of a man known as one of the most tragic of poets) Euripides' 'Hippolytus', what else makes Phaedra great? If you take away the astonishingly haunting music of Theodorakis with its song lyrics written by great Greek poet Nikos Gatsos, who helped make famous many melodies by Manos Hadjidakis and songs by Nana Mouskouri, the film would loose half of its considerable impact.Another vital element is the huge contribution of Turkish born lighting/cinematographer: Jacques Natteau known for his famous collaboration with Jean Renoir. Natteau's visuals draw you into each moment with striking emotional impact. On location shooting on the Island of Hydra supplies a grand setting. Hydra at that time was largely an Island without cars (Donkeys were, and still are, used for transport) Dassin either got special permission or used another location for the spectacular scenes involving Alexis' Aston Martin 'dream' car. Under Dassin's gifted direction these elements forge together an unforgettable cinematic experience.Melina Mercouri for me, is far from beautiful, and this stretched believability in the rapid seduction of young Alexsis just a little, but as described within the film... she has unique facial and physical qualities. The intense Anthony Perkins turns in a strong performance as the vulnerable, disintegrating, Alexis. Raff Vallone also delivers both a powerful and devastating performance as the shockingly betrayed Husband and Father. This is super strong storytelling that will haunt the sensitive viewer for many years. Yes Mr Simon, for any of it's regrets, it remains 'unforgettable'. Footnote: How tragic it is that the best arrangement/performance of the main theme music (with Oboe), was never included on any of the 'original' sound track recordings. With the 'Main Title' being the first thing you hear in the film (after that shock scream that is!), why would you leave it off!? I imagine the only person still alive that could explain would be Mr Theodorakis, and while it would be interesting, it's rather unlikely to happen. Not withstanding, it has taken over 50 years for MGM/UA to finally make this film available on a quality 'studio' DVD, so, small miracles do happen! KenR

bandw This story of a woman falling in love with the son of her husband from a previous marriage is an updating of an ancient story from Greek mythology to contemporary times. The premise is certainly worthy to be the basis for great tragedy, but this attempt falls a bit short.I first saw this movie in the early 1960s when I was in college and it made quite an impression on me. The fact that I remember the story and some scenes (particularly the love scene, which seems tame by modern standards) speaks well for it. But on seeing it again recently after almost fifty years its impact was much less. Maybe I originally identified with the young Alexis (Anthony Perkins) and envied his life of luxury and opportunity, but on second viewing I saw Perkins as miscast, being rather weak and ineffectual. I found that, as Phaedra, Melina Mercouri had not lost her smoldering sexiness for me. Could such a woman, used to moving among the rich and powerful in the Greek shipping industry, really fall so obsessively in love with such a callow youth of twenty-four? Alexis admitted that his affair with Phaedra was his first love affair--would such a sexually inexperienced young man be able to satisfy the worldly Phaedra? Could you picture Perkins taking over his father's shipping empire and doing all the necessary wheeling and dealing to make of go of that? I just could not buy Perkins in this role.Having said that, there are some great scenes. Both Phaedra and Alexis recognized the danger of their being together after their passionate lovemaking during Phaedra's trip to London. Both recognized the wisdom of having Alexis staying London and Phaedra in Greece. But Phaedra's husband Thanos (Raf Vallone in a good performance) wanted his estranged son to come to Greece and learn the business and he put serious pressure on Phaedra to coax him to come. A pivotal and intense scene has the conflicted Phaedra on the phone pleading with Alexis to come to Greece, knowing full well that she was inviting tragedy.The film quality on the DVD is quite good. The black and white photography is effective and occasionally striking. For example, the scene that has the crowd of women in their black cowls with their white faces starting at the camera while Phaedra barges through dressed in all white is inspired. As might be expected the score by Mikis Theodorakis adds much to the atmosphere.

esteban1747 The plot is not new in its complications but it is so passionate that it produces a strong intensity given by the magnificent performances of Melina Mercouri and Anthony Perkins. Melina (Phaedra) is bold in her behavior, coquette and deeply thirsty for love in the character she plays. Perkins this time is a young man and not another Norman Bates, he played well the character of Thanos's son, mad and also bold in his desire for the forbidden woman. Jules Dassin and his collaborators were able to adapt a Greek mythology story to the plot of this film but in the conditions of modern life in Greece. The film although black and white gives an idea of Athens for the foreigners, port areas, dancing, and other customs. Regarding Thanos played by Raf Vallone, he looked as if he were real Aristoteles Onassis, the prominent Greek shipping magnate who, years after the assassination of John Kennedy, married Jacqueline Bouvier i.e. the Kennedy's widow. This film is excellent presumably made with low budget but with outstanding direction of Jules Dassin and acting of Melina Mercouri, Perkins and Vallone.

sweattl-1 Once in a while I try to find if Phaedra has been released on DVD to the general public because I would be thrilled to have it for my enjoyment at home. I've not been lucky enough to see it again since I saw it several times in the 60's at my local theatre. If anyone out there knows of the possibility of obtaining a copy of this movie, please let me know. I would also LOVE to have a copy of the wonderful soundtrack. Like many others who saw this movie, I've never been able to forget it; it's one of the truly best films ever! The computer said I couldn't submit my comment because it isn't long enough. I don't know what else to say except to repeat what so many others have said regarding the movie. I was young and "fell in love" with Anthony Perkins when I saw the movie. Obviously that was before I saw Psycho. Anyway, I also "fell in love" with Melina Mercouri; she played this role so powerfully and eloquently. Right now I can still hear the music playing in my head as I recall the scene of the bodies being taken down to the sea.