I think the British version is more inherent in its portrayal of the themes presented in Antigone. Central themes to the drama such as Duty VS Authority, represented by the conflicting opinions of the sisters, Antigone and Ismene. During their conversation, Antigone's tone is very harsh and dominant, which shows her fearlessness of the authority and pride in her belief that burying Polyneices is a duty that she certainly will fulfill, whereas Ismene's voice sounds shrill with fear and keeps on pleading Antigone, her face is full of worry.
This theme is further reinforced through the moral conflict between two equally justified belief of 'what is right', between Antigone and Creon. The British version has highlighted this theme very effectively by including a typical aspect from the modern society, which is the equality between men and women. I agree with Annette that this version supports feminity, in which case, Antigone stands opposite with Creon and both talk to each other like of equal status, whereas in the Greek version, Antigone has to look up to speak to Creon. Therefore, in the British version, Antigone is given power to speak out for her belief, together with the cultural setting that allows women to freely express their emotions, enhances the dominance of Antigone's Duty over Creon's Authority.
The British version is more effective in highlighting the themes of Antigone through focus in characterisation, as there is less movement compared to the Greek version and more speech is made, which further emphasises the distinct personalities of each character: Antigone being headstrong and fearless, even harebrained sister, Creon being a demagogue who rules a tyranny, Ismene
The Greek version only highlights the theme of tragedy in a generic way through movie conventions, such as the setting of war's aftermath: rubble and deaths, Polyneices' rotten body as a symbol that foreshadows the decay of Creon's reign, the transition from Creon's victory of his seized control of Thebes to his bewilderment from Antigone's violation of his edict. It certainly brings tension to the audience, and also encourages their sympathy for Antigone.
Q3. Which version did you like the most and for what specific reasons?
I think both versions are successful in their respective ways. I like the British version in terms of its characterisation and its "compliance" to the rules of Greek theatre, evident through the performance of the Chorus and the stage-like setting of the play, which makes the audience feels like watching the actors in an amphitheatre. Although the speech made in the British version retains its meaning as the original script, but the words that are said and the style of speaking is of the modern colloquial manner, which somehow distorts the formality of the tragedy.
The Greek version is more attractive in terms of the movie conventions used: the outdoor setting - where the King and the Chorus makes speeches is a very similar representation of the communal life of Greek society; the costumes and music are also done well. I also like the formal and sincere way the actors and actresses speak, not only close to the original script, but also distinguishes the importance of men and women, through Antigone's reserved manner when speaking to Ismene in a crowded place and Creon standing high above Antigone when he speaks. These dialogue conventions really helps to establish the patriarchal society that Ancient Greece possesses, and thus contributes to the distinctive culture of Sophocles' Antigone.
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