Search - Mikis Theodorakis :: Phaedra/O.S.T.

Mixed Emotions/Mixed Review

Pamela S. Dorris | Lutsen, MN, USA | 09/26/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this movie in the theatre and it made a definite impression. I have tried in vain to find a re-issue of the film, but I've had no luck. The musicial theme is something that never quite leaves your memory, so I was thrilled to see this CD become available with the following CAVEAT: while it is billed as remastered, the lush orchestral themes sound like you're sitting in the lobby waiting for the next feature to start, which is to say, they sound slightly tinny and far away.



There's a marvelous cut of Melina Mercouri singing which made me nostalgic for her unique talent, beauty, and appeal. As I mentioned earlier, the lush orchestrations would be absolutely gorgeous had they been adequately remastered. I wish the London Orchestra would re-do these themes with decent audio. The rest of the CD is devoted to the kind of "swingin'" quasi-jazz (read: dated) cuts you'd find in most movies of the 1960's.



So this is really a mixed review. It was great to hear the music once again, but I wish the quality had been better."

Greek Classic With A Modern Twist

Jeff Farrow | 01/20/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Of course I was just a tiny baby when the movie "Phaedra" was released in the early 1960's, but both the film and the soundtrack left a lasting impression. I lost the original LP version long ago & kept trying to locate another copy ever since--so this Amazon listing was a godsend. Despite the fact that it involved an overseas purchase, confirmation & delivery verification was timely--in fact I received the product earlier than the expected date. The film starring beautiful Melina Mercouri and a strangely cast Anthony Perkins is a modern version of the ancient Phaedra story. Phaedra was a queen married to a powerful & self-involved ruler. Due to the jealousy of Aphrodite, Phaedra falls fatally in love with her stepson. In the modern version the King owns a shipyard & parallels with the Onasis dynasty are pretty obvious.



The quality of the CD is excellent. You'd probably have to be a vintage movie fan to be interested, but the Love Theme is one of the best and conveys the awesome power of forbidden love & obsession.



Cleopatra

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf"