Anthony Perkins : Phaedra

Phaedra

Has anyone else seen this film? It is a crime that it hasn't been released on DVD or video, but I caught it on TCM - I wouldn't have actually watched it, had Tony not been in it, but it quickly sucked me in. I was blown away by his performance, it was very powerful and emotional and he was sooo believable in it that I never stopped to realize he was acting, ya know?! The love scene surprised me, but it was gorgeously done - very erotic w/o showing much more than thier hands touching, and the way it's cut with scenes from the raging fire place & the rain against the window that the film is worth watching for that scene alone! Everything about it was haunting & tragic yet beautiful and I can't stop thinking about it. I wish there was more information on this movie, or that it'd be released on DVD. The soundtrack would also be a dream if I could find it. I have seen several of his movies, but always thought his portrayal of Norman Bates was really his best, if not most captivating work. I'd say this performance surpasses that.

Walk like it's for sale and the rent is due tonight- Miss Jay

Re: Phaedra

I just saw it as well and only saw the last 15 minutes or so. The scene at the end with him literally gave me goosebumps. I would say it was not popular in the US as it is a pretty disturbing movie.

Re: Phaedra

Yea, i absolutely love this movie as well. Considering its an incredibley difficult story to adapt to a current style film, they did an excellant job. I actually bought it on ioffer.com, if youre interested. They have copies that people have just taped onto dvd's, but mine has great quality and its worth buying. I believe they also have a real DVD formatted copy on ioffer b68 as well, but it has irremovalbe greek subtitles. Just lettting you know~

Re: Phaedra

I really love that movie.

Re: Phaedra

Pretty much the same plot as "Desire Under the Elms", that Perkins did in 1958. He romances his dad's new wife.

Re: Phaedra

Yes I've seen Phaedra several times and Tony is amazing in it. That last scene with him singing in the Aston Martin is certainly a moment I'll never forget. I wish everyone could see what a terrific actor he was in everything he did, not just playing the young, lonely man who owns a motel and is obsessed with his dead mother.

Re: Phaedra

Not great, but interesting. Perkins was always a good actor.

Re: Phaedra

"Goodbye sea!"
Normally tragic endings in films put me in a funk but after I heard that line and the way he said it in such a cynical tone, for some reason, it wasn't as depressing. I'm not saying it ruined the movie, it just made the ending more bearable.

I also think this film has the best transition to a love scene ever, with the soundtrack adding to it instead of being a distraction like in some films. Some da0 people criticized that Perkins didn't kiss her back so the chemistry seemed lacking but I have to disagree. I think he portrayed the character well. Up until the first kiss, the only love in the characters life was a car, he was almost like a child where the idea of loving a woman didn't fully click with him until Phaedra gave him the first kiss. He didn't kiss back because of his inexperience but at the same time his expression says that he liked this new feeling she gave him.
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