IB English Lit A HL - Ms Basel

Rosa's Answers to Antigone Movies Questions 2 +3 


Q2. What themes does each version choose to highlight more and what effect does it have?
Answer 2: The British version seems to focus more on the textual implications and characterization- each character was distinct, and a bit exaggerated (the sentry) as in an actual play; I could easily remember how Creon was characterized as a demagogue: dominant, intimidating, and antagonistic (theme: threat of tyranny?). Themes of duty vs authority are present through Antigone’s conversation with Ismene, in which both characters have different attitudes (Antigone is more dominant and harsh with tone than Ismene, who seems scared), highlighting the contrast of opinions. There was less movement than speech, with close-ups to see facial expression during dialogue. This gives the effect that the conversation is very significant and serious (draws attention of viewer). Themes of tragedy are present as well, in which speeches are exaggerated (loud at specific words to emphasize importance), expressions are easy to recognize, and the timeline is very fast-paced (giving a feeling of urgency as the moments of tragedy come quickly- not allowing the viewer to absorb it all before moving on. Finally, sister rivalry between Ismene and Antigone is noticeable, through the sisters’ argument in which the sisters do not seem to relate to each/ share a strong bond as shown in the Greek version. While Antigone is portrayed as strong-minded, Ismene contrasts with a scared, mindful demeanor.

              The Greek version demonstrates tragedy related themes through  visual imagery of post-war rubble, dead soldiers, the quick change of mood from celebratory to shocked (from Creon). This gives the feeling of tension to audience, and empathy to the “victim”, Antigone, even though it can be interpreted that there is more than one victim in story.

Q3. Which version did you like the most and for what specific reasons?

Answer 3: I preferred the Greek version to the British version due to the increased amount of visual focus in the movie. The Greek version seemed more spread out in space and time, filming in more locations and offering black-outs to signify a change in time, to make the story more realistic than happening all at once like the British adaptation, which relates more to a play-like scenario. The Greek version offered flashbacks to specifically visualize how Antigone buried her brother, and to allow the audience to actually see this brings forth more empathy to Antigone. The costumes were more like those of ancient Greece (more drapes), increasing the credulity to the film being set in ancient Greece. The acting was more subtle, like of a film, to make it more realistic rather than in the British version where the lines were filled with more expression, almost exaggerated like a play. The British film seemed out of place with the irregular scenery (only situated in Creon’s palace…) and costume (Creon’s costume looked like something from Star Trek), along with the British accents and modern dialogue, where in the Greek film, the fact that the lines are spoken in Greece brings in an air of authenticity to the story. The British film didn’t have enough movement (seemed limited, one dimensional), while the Greek film balanced between it and speech, creating a harmony in which the audience can relate to with their own way of thinking.  Overall, I think the British version tried too hard to create a movie as similar to the Ancient Greek Ampitheatre plays, while also adding in elements of modern-day British culture (accents, colloquial dialogue), but by doing this, the film seemed too awkward and artificial. If this was to be a movie, then BBC should have integrated elements of movie production to create a more natural viewing experience- to “work with what you have”, rather than to elicit the true essence of Sophocles, since no one can recreate Antigone better than Sophocles did himself.