Oedipus Rex (1957 film)

Oedipus Rex is a 1957 film adaptation of Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus Rex, directed by Tyrone Guthrie. The film stars Douglas Campbell as Oedipus, Eleanor Stuart as Jocasta, and William Hutt as Creon. It was produced and distributed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

The film is notable for its stylized theatrical presentation, reflecting Guthrie's background in stage direction. It utilizes masks and costumes inspired by ancient Greek theatre conventions, lending the production a heightened, symbolic atmosphere. The dialogue adheres closely to a version of the classic text, aiming for fidelity to the original play's themes of fate, guilt, and self-discovery.

The production was originally a stage production at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada, and the film is essentially a filmed version of that stage presentation. This context contributes to the film’s distinct visual and performance style.

While not as widely known as some other adaptations of the Oedipus myth, the 1957 film remains a significant example of bringing classical theatre to a wider audience through the medium of film. It is recognized for its commitment to the dramatic intensity of Sophocles' original work and its deliberate theatricality. The film preserves a record of Guthrie's interpretation of the play and provides an example of the adaptations done in the mid-20th century.